Before you start
Meet auslösen
Read how the verb is used, then write your own 10 sentences with it.
Build the meaning
aus- + lösen
- aus-
- outward or into release
- lösen
- to loosen or release
Loosen something so it is released and sets an event in motion.
So auslösen means to trigger, set off, or cause.
A memory aid, not a rule: prefixes change meaning from verb to verb.
Learning approach inspired by this explanation in r/German.
Verb family
More verbs built on lösen
Same base verb, a different prefix, a new meaning.
Separable verb: aus·lösen
In a main clause the prefix aus splits off and goes to the end. After weil, dass and other subordinating words, the verb stays in one piece at the end.
Main clauseEin Knopf löst den Alarm aus.A button sets off the alarm.
Subordinate clauseSie sagt, dass der Knopf den Alarm auslöst.She says that the button sets off the alarm.
Participle: ausgelöstzu-infinitive: auszulösen
Forms
How auslösen changes
| Pronoun | Präsens | Präteritum |
|---|---|---|
| ich | löse aus | löste aus |
| du | löst aus | löstest aus |
| er/sie/es | löst aus | löste aus |
| wir | lösen aus | lösten aus |
| ihr | löst aus | löstet aus |
| Sie | lösen aus | lösten aus |
Partizip II ausgelöst · Perfekt with haben
Three examples
- 1Der Rauch löst den Alarm aus.The smoke sets off the alarm.present, separated prefix
- 2Seine Worte haben Angst ausgelöst.His words caused fear.Perfekt with haben
- 3Ich weiß, dass das Bild Freude auslöst.I know that the picture brings joy.verb at the end after dass
Task 1 of 10 · Build a sentence
Build a German sentence using these words:
auslösen + der Rauch
Your challenge
- 1Use the present tense.
- 2Say that the smoke triggers an alarm.
Task 2 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
The smokeder Rauch set it off.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 3 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
When the firedas Feuer started, it set off the alarm.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 4 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
She stayedbleiben homezu Hause because the noiseder Lärm had set off the alarm.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 5 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
The alarm that the smoke set off wokewecken them.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 6 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
Loudlaut musicdie Musik can set it off.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 7 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
She was carefulvorsichtig not to set off the alarm.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 8 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
What set off the alarm?
Task 9 of 10 · Build a sentence
Build a German sentence using these words:
auslösen + der Rauch + obwohl
Your challenge
- 1Start with an obwohl-clause.
- 2Use the simple past of the target verb.
- 3Say that the smoke triggers an alarm.
Task 10 of 10 · Free writing
Answer in one full German sentence:
What often causes you stress? Answer in one German sentence using the target verb.
Your challenge
- 1Answer with one German sentence using the target verb.
- 2Say what often causes you stress.