In 15 Seconds
- Used to wrap up projects or negotiations officially.
- Implies a successful, well-organized final result.
- Perfect for professional, academic, or serious contexts.
Meaning
This phrase is used when you want to wrap something up officially. It’s like putting the final bow on a long-term project or a complex task to ensure it is fully completed.
Key Examples
3 of 6In a business meeting
Wir sollten die Verhandlungen heute zum Abschluss bringen.
We should bring the negotiations to a conclusion today.
Texting a friend about university
Ich muss nur noch die Hausarbeit zum Abschluss bringen.
I just need to finish up my term paper.
A humorous moment with a long-winded friend
Können wir dieses Drama bitte zum Abschluss bringen?
Can we please bring this drama to a conclusion?
Cultural Background
In German business culture, 'zum Abschluss bringen' often implies that all bureaucratic steps (paperwork, signatures) are done. Swiss German speakers use this in highly formal banking and diplomatic contexts, often with extreme precision regarding deadlines. In Austria, the phrase might be used in government offices ('Behörden') to signal that a file is being closed. In German universities, finishing a PhD is always described as 'die Promotion zum Abschluss bringen'.
Use in Exams
Use this in the 'Writing' part of your B2 or C1 exam to impress the examiners with your knowledge of Funktionsverbgefüge.
Don't overdo it
If you use this phrase for every small task, you will sound like you're trying too hard to be formal.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to wrap up projects or negotiations officially.
- Implies a successful, well-organized final result.
- Perfect for professional, academic, or serious contexts.
What It Means
Think of this phrase as the grand finale. It is not just about stopping a task. It is about reaching the intended goal. You use it for things that took effort. It feels very satisfying to say. It implies that all loose ends are tied up. You are finally done with the hard work.
How To Use It
You need a direct object for this phrase. You bring 'something' to a conclusion. Usually, this is a Projekt or a Verhandlung. It sounds professional but works in daily life too. Grammatically, it is a fixed expression. You always use the preposition zum. The verb bringen stays at the end in most sentences. It is a great way to sound more advanced.
When To Use It
Use it in your office or workplace. It sounds great in a business meeting. Use it when finishing a university degree. It is perfect for closing a deal. You can also use it for home projects. Maybe you finally finished painting your house. It implies a successful and orderly end. It shows you are organized and focused.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for trivial, tiny things. You don't 'bring a coffee' to a conclusion. You just drink it. It is too heavy for small daily tasks. Avoid it for sudden, unplanned stops. If a car breaks down, you don't 'bring the drive' to a conclusion. It sounds too robotic for simple chores like doing dishes. Keep it for things that matter.
Cultural Background
Germans value Gründlichkeit (thoroughness) very highly. Finishing a task properly is a sign of character. This phrase reflects that organized mindset. It is about the process being officially complete. In Germany, having an Abschluss (degree or closure) is vital. This phrase makes you sound like someone who delivers results. It is the verbal equivalent of a firm handshake.
Common Variations
You might hear zu Ende führen for long processes. Or you can simply use the verb abschließen. Zum Abschluss bringen sounds a bit more elegant. It is a classic 'Funktionsverbgefüge'. That is just a fancy word for a noun-verb combo. It makes your German sound more sophisticated and polished.
Usage Notes
This phrase is a 'Funktionsverbgefüge', making it perfect for professional writing and formal speech. Avoid using it for trivial daily activities to prevent sounding overly stiff.
Use in Exams
Use this in the 'Writing' part of your B2 or C1 exam to impress the examiners with your knowledge of Funktionsverbgefüge.
Don't overdo it
If you use this phrase for every small task, you will sound like you're trying too hard to be formal.
The 'Gründlichkeit' factor
Remember that bringing something to an 'Abschluss' in Germany usually means there is a final report or document involved.
Examples
6Wir sollten die Verhandlungen heute zum Abschluss bringen.
We should bring the negotiations to a conclusion today.
Very common in corporate settings to push for a final decision.
Ich muss nur noch die Hausarbeit zum Abschluss bringen.
I just need to finish up my term paper.
Shows that the task was long but is finally ending.
Können wir dieses Drama bitte zum Abschluss bringen?
Can we please bring this drama to a conclusion?
Using a formal phrase for a silly situation creates irony.
Sie wollte dieses Kapitel ihres Lebens endlich zum Abschluss bringen.
She wanted to finally bring this chapter of her life to a conclusion.
Used metaphorically for emotional closure.
Wir wollen die Renovierung vor dem Winter zum Abschluss bringen.
We want to wrap up the renovation before winter.
Indicates a goal-oriented plan for a big project.
Der Ausschuss wird die Untersuchung bald zum Abschluss bringen.
The committee will soon bring the investigation to a conclusion.
Standard phrasing for official reports or news.
Test Yourself
Füllen Sie die Lücke mit dem richtigen Verb.
Wir müssen die Verhandlungen heute zum Abschluss _______.
The fixed collocation is 'zum Abschluss bringen'.
Welcher Satz ist am formellsten?
Wie sagen Sie Ihrem Chef, dass das Projekt fertig ist?
This phrase uses the highest register suitable for a boss.
Vervollständigen Sie den Dialog.
A: Wann ist der Bericht fertig? B: Ich werde ihn bis morgen ___ _______ _______.
In a professional context, 'zum Abschluss bringen' is the most appropriate choice.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesWir müssen die Verhandlungen heute zum Abschluss _______.
The fixed collocation is 'zum Abschluss bringen'.
Wie sagen Sie Ihrem Chef, dass das Projekt fertig ist?
This phrase uses the highest register suitable for a boss.
A: Wann ist der Bericht fertig? B: Ich werde ihn bis morgen ___ _______ _______.
In a professional context, 'zum Abschluss bringen' is the most appropriate choice.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsTechnically yes, but it sounds very cold and clinical, like you are closing a business deal. Use 'die Beziehung beenden' instead.
Yes, it is slightly more flexible, implying 'one of many possible conclusions', but 'zum' is the standard idiom.
'Beenden' is a simple verb for any ending. 'Zum Abschluss bringen' is a formal process of finalization.
Related Phrases
einen Haken hinter etwas machen
similarTo check something off a list
den Sack zumachen
similarTo finalize a deal
etwas abbrechen
contrastTo cancel or stop something prematurely
etwas vollenden
synonymTo complete something perfectly
