Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| Schluss machen | [ˈʃlʊs ˌmaχn̩] (narrow) |
| auseinander gehen |
The phrases used to express a breakup vary depending on the context. Schluss machen is a common and straightforward way to say one is breaking up. If you want to specify who you are breaking up with, you can use Mit jemandem Schluss machen. Other informal ways to express that a relationship has ended include Es ist aus, which means "it's over".
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase Schluss machen literally translates to "to make an end".
Which one should you use?
While Schluss machen is a direct and colloquial way to say "to break up", auseinander gehen is a more formal alternative.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb auseinander gehen is often written as a single word, auseinandergehen, when it is used to mean parting ways. Because machen is a weak verb, the past tense of Schluss machen is machte Schluss and the perfect tense is hat Schluss gemacht.
Did you know?
- The word Schluss is a linguistic relative of the English word 'slot', as both trace back to concepts of closing or finishing.
- The phrase Es ist aus is used for breakups, but the word aus also describes a lamp that has been turned off or a fire that has gone out.
- The phrase Schluss machen is highly versatile and can also mean 'to finish' or 'to stop' an activity, such as finishing work for the day.
Examples in context
- Laß uns Schluß machen!Let's break up.This example shows how to suggest breaking up.Tatoeba #12609840 by Waldelfe, translation #11926642 by CK
- Ich werde mit Tom Schluss machen.I'm going to break up with Tom.This example shows how to state you are breaking up with a specific person.Tatoeba #7592248 by wolfgangth, translation #6657093 by CK
- Heißt das, du willst Schluss machen?Does that mean you want to break up?This example is useful for asking if someone intends to break up.Tatoeba #1537112 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #42397 by CM
- Ich mache mit ihm/ihr SchlussI'm breaking up with him/her
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felix and Sarah are having a serious talk in a park.
- FelixIch glaube, wir sollten Schluss machen.I think we should break up.
- SarahWarum willst du plötzlich Schluss machen?Why do you suddenly want to break up?
- FelixWir passen einfach nicht mehr zusammen.We just don't fit together anymore.
- SarahDas ist traurig, aber ich verstehe dich.That is sad, but I understand you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “break up” translations and entries Schluss machen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Schluss, auseinander, gehen, machen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
