Ablaufen

Ablaufen is a German verb formed with the separable prefix ab- and the verb laufen. It has several related senses that depend on context: to expire or run out, to drain or flow away, and to unfold or take place in a sequence.

In the sense of expiration or ending, ablaufen describes time-limited validity, deadlines, or offers coming to an end. Examples: Der Vertrag läuft am 31. Dezember ab. Die Frist läuft heute ab. In the perfect tense this sense is expressed with ist abgelaufen: Der Vertrag ist abgelaufen. This usage is common for subscriptions, licenses, and contracts, or for any period with a fixed end date.

In the sense of draining or liquid movement, ablaufen refers to liquids moving away from a container or surface. Examples: Das Wasser läuft aus dem Becken ab. Lass das Wasser ablaufen. In this context, forms like läuft ab or ist abgeflossen may be used, depending on tense and regional preference.

Ablaufen can also describe how events proceed or unfold. The phrase der Ablauf der Veranstaltung or wie der Ablauf verläuft is used to refer to the sequence or process of an activity. The related noun Ablauf means the sequence, procedure, or schedule; a practical term in planning, e.g., Ablaufplan.

Synonyms and related concepts include verfallen (for expired rights or goods) and auslaufen (often used for liquids or to refer to something slipping out). Depending on sense, different tenses and constructions are employed, but the core idea is something coming to a conclusion, draining away, or unfolding in a sequence.