I. Theory
Conveying “to stop” in German can be tricky as there are various verbs used in different contexts. Although at times multiple verbs can be used in German in the same situation, it is best to understand the nuances between these verbs.II. Verbs equivalent to the English: To Stop
Aufhören (mit etwas): a separable verb meaning to stop an activity or to stop (doing something).| Es hat den ganzen Tag geschneit. Wann wird es aufhören? It has been snowing all day. When will it stop? Die Hunde hören nicht auf zu bellen. The dogs won’t stop barking. |
Halten
Not used as frequently as anhalten, although it may be seen as an imperative. When used with vehicles, it means to come to a stop.| Halt! Stop! Der Zug hielt am Bahnhof. The train stopped at the station. |
Anhalten
A separable verb that usually conveys that transportation is being brought to a temporary stop.| Während des Roadtrips von San Francisco nach New Orleans mussten wir mehrmals anhalten. During the roadtrip from San Francisco to New Orleans we had to stop several times. Der Zug hält an der Grenze an, damit alle Reisepässe kontrolliert werden können. The train stops at the border so that all passports can be checked. |
Aufhalten
A separable verb meaning to hold someone/something up or cause a delay.| Nichts auf der Welt kann uns aufhalten. Nothing in the world can stop us. Ein Stau hat mich aufgehalten. Traffic delayed me. |
Stehen bleiben
Most often found in the infinitive as a command meaning “stop” or “freeze!” (as said by a police officer). It can also be used to imply that something has stopped due to malfunction.| Der bewaffnete Polizist rief „Stehen bleiben!“, doch der Verbrecher lief davon. The armed policeman screamed “stop where you are!” but the criminal fled the scene. Das Motorrad ist plötzlich auf der Autobahn stehen geblieben. The motorcycle suddenly came to a stop on the highway. |
Stoppen
Can be used when an object or person is brought to a stop such as vehicles or electronics.| Wir müssen das Auto im nächsten Dorf stoppen. We must stop the car in the next village. Ich habe den Film gestoppt, weil ich schlafen gehen wollte. I stopped the movie because I wanted to go to sleep. |