Before you start
Meet auswählen
Read how the verb is used, then write your own 10 sentences with it.
Build the meaning
aus- + wählen
- aus-
- out of a group or set
- wählen
- to choose
Choose one option out of a group.
So auswählen means to choose; to select.
A memory aid, not a rule: prefixes change meaning from verb to verb.
Learning approach inspired by this explanation in r/German.
Separable verb: aus·wählen
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 wählt heute ein Kleid aus.She is choosing a dress today.
Subordinate clauseIch bleibe hier, weil du ein Essen auswählst.I’ll stay here because you are choosing a meal.
Participle: ausgewähltzu-infinitive: auszuwählen
Forms
How auswählen changes
| Pronoun | Präsens | Präteritum |
|---|---|---|
| ich | wähle aus | wählte aus |
| du | wählst aus | wähltest aus |
| er/sie/es | wählt aus | wählte aus |
| wir | wählen aus | wählten aus |
| ihr | wählt aus | wähltet aus |
| Sie | wählen aus | wählten aus |
Partizip II ausgewählt · Perfekt with haben
Three examples
- 1Ich wähle ein Buch aus.I choose a book.prefix goes to the end
- 2Wir haben den Film ausgewählt.We chose the film.Perfekt with haben
- 3Du kannst ein Essen auswählen.You can choose a meal.infinitive after modal
Task 1 of 10 · Build a sentence
Build a German sentence using these words:
auswählen + der Apfel
Your challenge
- 1Use the present tense.
- 2Choose der Apfel.
Task 2 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
I chose it for my motherdie Mutter 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 chose a newneu tableder Tisch, my brotherder Bruder paid for itdafür bezahlen.
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 redrot shoesder Schuh, die Schuhe because they were cheapbillig.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 5 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
The jacketdie Jacke that he chose is too bigzu groß for him.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 6 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
You can choose a seatder Platz nearin der Nähe the windowdas Fenster.
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 to the shopder Laden to choose a giftdas 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 photodas Foto did you choose from the albumdas Album?
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:
auswählen + der Film + obwohl
Your challenge
- 1Use the present tense to choose der Film.
- 2Add an obwohl-clause.
- 3Say your friends would rather watch a comedy.
Task 10 of 10 · Free writing
Answer in one full German sentence:
What would you choose for a day trip with your family?
Your challenge
- 1Answer in one sentence.
- 2Use auswählen in the Konjunktiv II.
- 3Say what you would choose for a family day trip.