ab|laufen
Translation
to expire, to run out, to proceed, to drain
Examples
Mein Pass ist abgelaufen.
My passport has expired.
Wie wird die Prüfung ablaufen?
How will the exam proceed?
Das Wasser läuft langsam ab.
The water is draining slowly.
Grammar Patterns
to expire, to run out The contract runs out next month.
Similar Words
Synonyms: enden, verstreichen, stattfinden; Antonyms: beginnen, starten
Etymology
From 'ab-' (away, off) + 'laufen' (to run). It literally means 'to run off' or 'to run away', which applies to time expiring.
Memory Tips
Imagine time 'running away' (ablaufen) until it expires, or a process 'running its course' from start to finish.