Versicherungen abschließen
To take out insurance
Literally: {"Versicherungen":"insurances","abschlie\u00dfen":"to close \/ to conclude \/ to finish"}
In 15 Seconds
- Actively signing up for insurance.
- Securing financial protection.
- Formal commitment, not casual.
- Use for health, car, home insurance.
Meaning
This phrase describes the act of signing a contract for an insurance policy. It's the moment you officially get coverage for your car, health, or apartment.
Key Examples
3 of 12Texting a friend about life changes
Hey, ich ziehe bald um und muss unbedingt eine Hausratversicherung abschließen, bevor ich einziehe!
Hey, I'm moving soon and definitely need to take out household insurance before I move in!
Discussing finances at home
Wir müssen überlegen, ob wir eine zusätzliche Unfallversicherung abschließen sollten.
We need to consider if we should take out additional accident insurance.
Job interview context (Zoom call)
Ja, ich bin mir der Verantwortung bewusst und habe bereits eine private Krankenversicherung abgeschlossen.
Yes, I am aware of the responsibility and have already taken out private health insurance.
Cultural Background
Germans are known for being 'over-insured' (überversichert). It's a point of pride and a source of jokes. Having a 'Haftpflichtversicherung' is almost a social requirement. Similar to Germany, insurance is highly valued. The term 'Polizze' is often used instead of 'Police' for the insurance document. Health insurance (Krankenkasse) is mandatory and private. 'Abschließen' is used every year when people compare and switch providers. For foreigners, 'Versicherungen abschließen' is one of the first bureaucratic hurdles, often required for visa applications (health insurance).
Separable Verb Rule
Always remember to kick the 'ab' to the end of the sentence in the present tense!
Don't say 'kaufen'
While you 'buy' insurance in English, saying 'Ich kaufe eine Versicherung' sounds very non-native in German. Stick to 'abschließen'.
In 15 Seconds
- Actively signing up for insurance.
- Securing financial protection.
- Formal commitment, not casual.
- Use for health, car, home insurance.
What It Means
This phrase is your go-to for officially getting insurance. Think of it as signing on the dotted line. You're making a deal to be protected financially. It's more than just a casual agreement; it's a formal commitment. You're essentially buying peace of mind for potential future problems. It covers everything from your health to your home. It's a big step towards adulting, really.
How To Use It
You use Versicherungen abschließen when you're talking about the process of getting new insurance. It's the action of entering into a contract. You can do this for yourself or for your family. It applies to many different types of insurance. It's a common verb phrase in everyday German life. You'll hear it in conversations about finances and security. It signifies the completion of the application and approval process.
Real-Life Examples
Imagine you just bought a new car. The first thing you need is car insurance. You'd say, "Ich muss eine Kfz-Versicherung abschließen." Or maybe you're moving into a new apartment. Renter's insurance is a smart move. You might tell your friend, "Bevor ich einziehe, möchte ich eine Hausratversicherung abschließen." It's all about securing your assets and well-being. It’s like getting a protective shield for your life!
When To Use It
Use Versicherungen abschließen when you are actively seeking or have just obtained an insurance policy. This includes health insurance (Krankenversicherung), car insurance (Kfz-Versicherung), or liability insurance (Haftpflichtversicherung). It’s perfect when discussing the *act* of getting insured. Think about major life events. Moving, buying a car, or starting a family often trigger this phrase. It's about formalizing your protection.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use Versicherungen abschließen for simply *having* insurance. If you already have coverage, you don't "close" it again. Also, avoid it for general financial planning. It's specifically about the insurance contract itself. Talking about paying premiums uses different verbs. You wouldn't say "Ich schließe meine Rente ab" for saving for retirement. That's a whole different ballgame, my friend.
Common Mistakes
A common slip-up is using the wrong verb. Some learners might try machen (to make) or nehmen (to take). While nehmen is close, abschließen is the standard and most precise verb. Another mistake is confusing it with canceling insurance. That's kündigen. So, remember: abschließen is for starting, kündigen is for ending. It’s like confusing starting a race with finishing it!
eine Versicherung machen
✓eine Versicherung abschließen
eine Versicherung nehmen
✓eine Versicherung abschließen
Versicherungen beenden
✓Versicherungen kündigen
Similar Expressions
While Versicherungen abschließen is standard, you might hear variations. Eine Versicherung bekommen (to get insurance) is simpler but less formal. Eine Versicherung beantragen (to apply for insurance) refers to the application stage, not the final contract. Sich versichern lassen (to have oneself insured) is a passive construction focusing on the result. Abschließen really nails the active decision and completion.
Common Variations
Sometimes people shorten it. Instead of a full sentence, you might just hear "Ich muss noch Versicherungen abschließen." The context makes it clear. You can also specify the type of insurance directly: eine Krankenversicherung abschließen, eine Hausratversicherung abschließen. The core verb abschließen remains consistent. It’s the anchor of the phrase, like the bassline in a song.
Memory Trick
Picture yourself ab (away) from schließen (closing) a door on danger. You're abschließening a deal to keep bad things ab (away). Think of schließen like a handshake sealing the deal. You're closing the deal to protect yourself. It's like putting a lock on your valuables – you're locking in your security!
Quick FAQ
Q. Is it always formal?
A. Mostly neutral to formal. You wouldn't use it in super casual slang.
Q. Can I use it for anything?
A. Primarily for financial protection contracts. Not for general agreements.
Q. What's the opposite?
A. Eine Versicherung kündigen (to cancel insurance). Definitely not the same vibe!
Real Conversations
Anna
Max
Anna
Max
Anna
Usage Notes
The phrase `Versicherungen abschließen` is standard German, suitable for neutral to formal contexts. While generally understood, avoid using it in highly informal slang. It specifically denotes the act of entering into a formal insurance contract, not merely having or renewing one.
Separable Verb Rule
Always remember to kick the 'ab' to the end of the sentence in the present tense!
Don't say 'kaufen'
While you 'buy' insurance in English, saying 'Ich kaufe eine Versicherung' sounds very non-native in German. Stick to 'abschließen'.
Check24 is your friend
If you want to see this phrase in the wild, just browse a German comparison site. You'll see 'Jetzt abschließen' everywhere.
The 'Haftpflicht' talk
If a German friend asks if you have a 'Haftpflicht', they aren't being nosy—they are making sure you're safe!
Examples
12Hey, ich ziehe bald um und muss unbedingt eine Hausratversicherung abschließen, bevor ich einziehe!
Hey, I'm moving soon and definitely need to take out household insurance before I move in!
Here, `abschließen` emphasizes the proactive step of securing insurance for the new apartment.
Wir müssen überlegen, ob wir eine zusätzliche Unfallversicherung abschließen sollten.
We need to consider if we should take out additional accident insurance.
This shows a family discussion about financial security and making a formal decision.
Ja, ich bin mir der Verantwortung bewusst und habe bereits eine private Krankenversicherung abgeschlossen.
Yes, I am aware of the responsibility and have already taken out private health insurance.
Used here to demonstrate responsibility and preparedness in a professional setting.
Endlich meinen ersten eigenen Mietvertrag unterschrieben und direkt die passende Haftpflichtversicherung abgeschlossen! #adulting #versichert #newbeginnings
Finally signed my first own rental contract and immediately took out the appropriate liability insurance! #adulting #insured #newbeginnings
A modern, slightly proud tone about completing a major life step.
Schatz, denk dran, wir müssen noch die Autoversicherung für das neue Auto abschließen, sonst dürfen wir nicht fahren!
Honey, remember, we still need to take out the car insurance for the new car, otherwise we can't drive!
Urgent reminder, highlighting the necessity of the action.
✗ Ich muss eine Reiseversicherung machen.
✗ I need to make travel insurance.
Incorrect verb choice. 'Machen' is too general here.
✗ Hast du schon die Hausratversicherung genommen?
✗ Did you already take the household insurance?
'Nehmen' is sometimes used, but 'abschließen' is more precise for the formal contract.
Mein Hamster hat versehentlich die Versicherungspolice meines Goldhamsters abgeschlossen. Jetzt ist er versichert!
My hamster accidentally took out my gold hamster's insurance policy. Now he's insured!
Playful use of the phrase for comedic effect, personifying the pet.
Nachdem wir das Haus gekauft hatten, war das Erste, was wir taten, die Gebäudeversicherung abzuschließen. Endlich fühlten wir uns sicher.
After we bought the house, the first thing we did was take out building insurance. Finally, we felt secure.
Connects the act of insuring with a feeling of relief and security.
Bitte stellen Sie sicher, dass Sie bis zum Monatsende Ihre betriebliche Altersvorsorge abschließen.
Please ensure that you take out your company pension plan by the end of the month.
Formal instruction in a workplace setting regarding employee benefits.
So, bevor wir in die Berge fahren, müssen wir noch schnell eine Auslandskrankenversicherung abschließen. Sicherheit geht vor!
So, before we head to the mountains, we still need to quickly take out international health insurance. Safety first!
Practical advice shared in a travel context, emphasizing preparedness.
Ich habe mich entschieden, die umfassendere Kfz-Versicherung bei Ihnen abzuschließen.
I have decided to take out the more comprehensive car insurance with you.
Direct statement of decision during the insurance purchasing process.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of 'abschließen' in the present tense.
Ich _______ heute eine neue Versicherung _______.
In a main clause, the verb 'schließen' is conjugated and the prefix 'ab' goes to the end.
Which sentence is grammatically correct in the Perfekt tense?
Choose the correct sentence:
The Perfekt of 'abschließen' is formed with 'haben' + 'abgeschlossen'.
Match the insurance type with the reason to 'abschließen' it.
Match the following:
These are the most common insurance types in Germany.
Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase.
A: Warum bist du so gestresst? B: Ich muss für meinen neuen Job noch schnell eine ________________.
When starting something new, you usually need to 'conclude' or 'take out' insurance.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIch _______ heute eine neue Versicherung _______.
In a main clause, the verb 'schließen' is conjugated and the prefix 'ab' goes to the end.
Choose the correct sentence:
The Perfekt of 'abschließen' is formed with 'haben' + 'abgeschlossen'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the most common insurance types in Germany.
A: Warum bist du so gestresst? B: Ich muss für meinen neuen Job noch schnell eine ________________.
When starting something new, you usually need to 'conclude' or 'take out' insurance.
🎉 Score: /4
Video Tutorials
Find video tutorials on YouTube for this phrase.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but 'unterschreiben' only refers to the act of signing. 'Abschließen' refers to the whole process of getting the policy.
No, you can also 'abschließen' a cell phone contract (Handyvertrag) or a gym membership (Mitgliedschaft).
'Versichern' is the general action (to insure). 'Abschließen' is the specific legal act of signing the contract.
Always 'haben'. Example: 'Ich habe abgeschlossen.'
It is 'eine Versicherung' because it is feminine. But it is 'einen Vertrag' because 'Vertrag' is masculine.
It is neutral to formal. It's the standard way to talk about it in any context.
No, the 'ab' must go to the very end: 'Ich schließe eine Versicherung ab.'
It's the noun form, meaning 'the conclusion of an insurance policy'.
Health insurance and car insurance (if you have a car) are mandatory. Others are optional but recommended.
Use 'Ich möchte meine Versicherung kündigen.'
Related Phrases
einen Vertrag unterschreiben
similarTo sign a contract
eine Versicherung kündigen
contrastTo cancel an insurance
versichert sein
builds onTo be insured
Schutz bieten
specialized formTo offer protection
