Meaning
To conclude one's daily job or task.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Feierabend' is so strong that 'die Arbeit beenden' is often just the first step toward a ritualized evening of rest. Punctuality in finishing work is highly valued. Leaving exactly when you said you would 'beenden' your work is seen as professional. Similar to Germany, but there is often a more relaxed 'Gemütlichkeit' after the work is beendet.
The Glottal Stop
Make sure to pause slightly between the two 'e's in beenden. It's not 'beeeenden', it's 'be-enden'.
Don't forget 'die'
English speakers often say 'finish work'. In German, always include the article: 'die Arbeit beenden'.
Meaning
To conclude one's daily job or task.
The Glottal Stop
Make sure to pause slightly between the two 'e's in beenden. It's not 'beeeenden', it's 'be-enden'.
Don't forget 'die'
English speakers often say 'finish work'. In German, always include the article: 'die Arbeit beenden'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of 'beenden'.
Ich ______ {die|f} Arbeit um 18 Uhr.
The subject is 'Ich', so the verb ending is '-e'.
Which sentence is correct?
How do you say 'I finished the work'?
The perfect tense uses 'haben' + the past participle 'beendet'.
Match the German to the English.
Work phrases
These are essential workplace collocations.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Wann kommst du? B: In fünf Minuten. Ich muss noch schnell die ______ ______.
Context suggests finishing work before leaving.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIch ______ {die|f} Arbeit um 18 Uhr.
The subject is 'Ich', so the verb ending is '-e'.
How do you say 'I finished the work'?
The perfect tense uses 'haben' + the past participle 'beendet'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are essential workplace collocations.
A: Wann kommst du? B: In fünf Minuten. Ich muss noch schnell die ______ ______.
Context suggests finishing work before leaving.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsYes, you can say 'die Hausaufgaben beenden', though 'fertig machen' is more common for students.
It is neutral. It's perfectly fine for both the office and talking to friends.
'Beenden' is the action (to finish), while 'fertig sein' is the state (to be finished).
Related Phrases
Feierabend machen
similarTo finish work for the day.
Schluss machen
synonymTo end/stop something.
die Arbeit unterbrechen
contrastTo interrupt/pause work.
