German Phrase
Drück auf 'Abbrechen'.
Meaning
Literally, ‘Press the ‘Cancel’ button.’ It is a short, direct instruction you would see in software, apps, or any digital interface that offers a way to stop an ongoing action.
When to use
Use this phrase in tutorials, help screens, or spoken instructions when you want the listener to stop a process by clicking the cancel button. It is informal, so it fits casual videos, in‑app voice guides, or when speaking to a friend.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Drückauf'Abbrechen'
Imperative (du) of drücken
‘Drück’ is the informal singular imperative of the verb ‘drücken’ (to press). For formal address you would say ‘Drücken Sie’.
Preposition ‘auf’ with ‘drücken’
When you press something you use the preposition ‘auf’ + accusative: ‘auf etwas drücken’ (press on something).
Quoting button labels
Button names are usually put in single quotes or quotation marks to show they are exact UI text.
🗨In Conversation
Wie kann ich den Vorgang abbrechen?
How can I cancel the process?
Drück auf 'Abbrechen'.
Press the ‘Cancel’ button.
✕Common Mistakes
Drück Sie auf 'Abbrechen'.
Correct in formal contexts, but learners often mix informal ‘Drück’ with formal ‘Sie’, which sounds odd.
Auf 'Abbrechen' drücken.
The word order is acceptable in written German, but in spoken UI instructions the imperative form ‘Drück auf …’ is more natural.
Drück auf Abbrechen.
The button name should stay exactly as it appears in the UI, usually with quotation marks.
↔Alternatives
Klick auf 'Abbrechen'.
Click on ‘Cancel’.
Wähle 'Abbrechen'.
Select ‘Cancel’.
Tippe auf 'Abbrechen'.
Tap ‘Cancel’.
Drücken Sie auf 'Abbrechen'.
Press ‘Cancel’ (formal).
Cultural Tip
German software UI almost always uses the word ‘Abbrechen’ for a cancel action, unlike English where you might see ‘Cancel’ or ‘Back’. The informal imperative ‘Drück’ is common in spoken instructions, but in professional documentation you’ll find the formal ‘Drücken Sie’. Also, in Swiss German the button may be labelled ‘Abbruch’, so be aware of regional variations.