abtreten
/ˈapˌtʁeːtn̩/
To stand down in German is abtreten.
abtreten is used when someone leaves a position of authority or a post, often as part of a formal process. In a legal context, it can also mean to assign or to transfer rights or property.
Which one should you use?
While abtreten means to step down from a position, it can also mean 'to assign' or 'to transfer' rights or property in a legal context.
How does it change in a sentence?
abtreten is a separable verb, which means the prefix ab moves to the end of the clause in a simple sentence. The past tense of the verb is trat ab, and the past participle is abgetreten.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈapˌtʁeːtn̩/
Did you know?
- While abtreten is a formal term for resigning from a post, in casual slang it can be used as a harsh command to tell someone to 'get lost' or 'beat it'.
- When abtreten is used to transfer legal claims, the process is known in German law as Zession, a term originating from Latin.
- If a commander orders a soldier to abtreten during a drill, it is a physical instruction to step back from a specific line or position, rather than a resignation from the job.
Examples in context
- Bitte ziehen Sie sich zurückPlease stand down
- Der Vorstandsvorsitzende musste abtreten.The chairman of the board had to step down.
- Er musste seinen Posten abtreten.He had to step down from his post.
- Der Vorstand muss den Sitz abtreten.The board must relinquish the seat.
- Sie wird ihr Amt im nächsten Jahr abtreten.She will step down from her office next year.
Example conversation
Julian and Hannah are discussing a political change in their city.
- JulianGlaubst du, dass der Bürgermeister abtreten wird?Do you think the mayor will stand down?
- HannahJa, der Druck ist jetzt zu groß.Yes, the pressure is too great now.
- JulianWer soll ihn dann ersetzen?Who should replace him then?
- HannahDas wird erst nach der Wahl entschieden.That will only be decided after the election.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry abtreten, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
