Before you start
Meet aussuchen
Read how the verb is used, then write your own 10 sentences with it.
Build the meaning
aus- + suchen
- aus-
- out from a group or selection
- suchen
- to search
Search among the options and pick one out.
So aussuchen means to choose; to pick out.
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 suchen
Same base verb, a different prefix, a new meaning.
Separable verb: aus·suchen
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 clauseSie sucht heute ein Geschenk aus.She is choosing a gift today.
Subordinate clauseIch bleibe hier, weil ich mir eine Jacke aussuche.I’ll stay here because I’m choosing a jacket for myself.
Participle: ausgesuchtzu-infinitive: auszusuchen
Forms
How aussuchen changes
| Pronoun | Präsens | Präteritum |
|---|---|---|
| ich | suche aus | suchte aus |
| du | suchst aus | suchtest aus |
| er/sie/es | sucht aus | suchte aus |
| wir | suchen aus | suchten aus |
| ihr | sucht aus | suchtet aus |
| Sie | suchen aus | suchten aus |
Partizip II ausgesucht · Perfekt with haben
Three examples
- 1Ich suche mir ein neues Fahrrad aus.I choose a new bicycle for myself.present, prefix goes to the end
- 2Wir haben einen Film ausgesucht.We chose a film.Perfekt with haben
- 3Du kannst dir ein Buch aussuchen.You can choose a book for yourself.infinitive after modal verb
Task 1 of 10 · Build a sentence
Build a German sentence using these words:
aussuchen + der Pullover
Your challenge
- 1Use the present tense.
- 2Use der Pullover as the thing you choose.
Task 2 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
I chose it for her yesterdaygestern.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 3 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
When we were childrendas Kind, die Kinder, we always chose our own clothesdie Kleidung.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 4 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
She chose the blueblau dressdas Kleid because she likedgefallen it.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 5 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
I chose the cafédas Café that you recommendedempfehlen.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 6 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
He wants to choose a newneu bikedas Fahrrad for his sonder Sohn.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 7 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
We went into towndie Stadt to choose a presentdas Geschenk for them.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 8 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
Which shoesder Schuh, die Schuhe would you choose for the partydie Party?
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 9 of 10 · Build a sentence
Build a German sentence using these words:
aussuchen + der Kuchen + dass
Your challenge
- 1Use dass to say what you hope.
- 2Put the conjugated verb at the end of the dass-clause.
- 3Use der Kuchen as the thing the children choose.
Task 10 of 10 · Free writing
Answer in one full German sentence:
What do you like choosing at the supermarket? Answer in one German sentence.
Your challenge
- 1Answer with one sentence about what you like choosing.
- 2Use the present tense.