Schluss machen mit
To break up with in German is Schluss machen mit.
The phrase is used to describe ending a romantic relationship with a partner. While Schluss machen mit includes a partner as the object, you can simply say Schluss machen if you are not specifying the person you are breaking up with.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally means 'to make an end with', composed of Schluss (end or conclusion), machen (to make or do) and mit (with).
Which one should you use?
Schluss machen mit is a colloquial expression. In contrast, sich trennen von is a more formal or neutral way to say one is separating from a partner.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Schluss machen mit is a colloquial expression and is the most common way to express breaking up in everyday conversation. For a more formal or neutral tone, use sich trennen von.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb is used in the perfect tense as Schluss gemacht mit to mean 'broke up with'.
Did you know?
- The word Schluss in this phrase shares an etymological root with the English word 'slot', as both stem from a concept of closing or finishing.
- Outside of romantic contexts, Schluss machen is commonly used by students or workers to mean they are finishing a task and stopping for the day.
Examples in context
- Es tut mir leid, aber ich möchte mit dir Schluss machen.I'm sorry, but I want to break up with you.
- Ich möchte unsere Beziehung beenden.I want to end our relationship.
- Schade, aber ich möchte Schluss machen.Too bad, but I want to break up.
- Ich denke, wir sollten uns trennen.I think we should break up.
Example conversation
Sarah and Julian are talking about a friend's relationship.
- SarahHast du gehört? Sarah will Schluss machen mit ihm.Did you hear? Sarah wants to break up with him.
- JulianWarum will sie Schluss machen mit ihm?Why does she want to break up with him?
- SarahSie haben einfach zu viele Streitigkeiten.They simply have too many arguments.
- JulianDas ist wirklich schade um die beiden.That is really a pity for the two of them.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Schluss, machen, mit, CC BY-SA 4.0.
