Beenden and Aufhören both relate to stopping or finishing something, but they are used differently. Beenden is a transitive verb, meaning it takes a direct object and implies completing or bringing something to an end. Aufhören is an intransitive verb meaning "to stop" or "to quit," and it can be used with a preposition mit (meaning "with") to specify what is being stopped.
Meaning and Usage
- Beenden means "to finish," "to complete," or "to bring something to an end." It is more formal and implies that the action is fully completed.
- Aufhören means "to stop" or "to quit" and focuses on the cessation of an action rather than completing it.
- Aufhören is often followed by mit + dative to indicate what is being stopped (e.g., aufhören mit dem Rauchen).
- Beenden is used directly with the object in the accusative case (e.g., den Brief beenden).
Grammar and Sentence Structure
- Beenden is a transitive verb and requires a direct object in the accusative case.
- Aufhören is intransitive and does not take a direct object. When specifying what is stopped, use mit + dative (e.g., mit dem Rauchen).
- Beenden can be used in various tenses directly with the object.
- Aufhören is often followed by a noun with mit or by a clause (e.g., aufhören, ...).
Examples
- Beenden:
- Ich beende die Arbeit. (I finish the work.)
- Sie hat das Gespräch beendet. (She ended the conversation.)
- Aufhören:
- Ich höre mit der Arbeit auf. (I stop working.)
- Er hört auf zu rauchen. (He stops smoking.)
- Hör bitte auf! (Please stop!)
Summary
- Use beenden when you want to say that something is finished or completed. It is a direct action on an object.
- Use aufhören when you want to say that someone stops doing something or quits an activity. It is about ceasing an action.
- Remember the preposition: aufhören mit ... (stop doing ...) versus beenden ... (finish ...).
When do you use 'beenden' in a sentence?
When you want to say that something is finished or completed.
Beenden is used to indicate that something is finished or completed, usually with a direct object.
Tips
- If you can replace "finish" with "complete," use beenden.
- If you want to say "stop doing something," especially a habit or activity, use aufhören.
- Pay attention to prepositions: aufhören mit ..., but no preposition with beenden.
With these distinctions, you can choose the correct verb and use it in the appropriate context.
When should you use 'aufhören'?
When you want to say 'stop doing something,' especially a habit or activity.
'Aufhören' is used to indicate stopping or quitting an activity, often a habit.
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
