aus
/aʊ̯s/
The German word for off is aus.
aus can function as an adverb meaning off, such as when a light is off or as a preposition meaning out of, such as being out of a house. It can also mean inoperative or disabled.
Meaning: inoperative, disabled (adj)
Which one should you use?
In the context of electronic devices or lights, the opposite of aus is an (on).
How does it change in a sentence?
When aus is used as a separable prefix in a verb like ausziehen (to take off clothes), it moves to the end of the clause in a simple sentence.
How do you pronounce it?
/aʊ̯s/
Did you know?
- The expression aus sein can be used as a euphemism to say that a romantic relationship has ended.
- When a game or a sports match ends, Germans say das Spiel ist aus.
- The German word aus is a direct linguistic relative of the English word 'out'.
Examples in context
- Er zog sie aus.He took off her clothes.This sentence shows the use of aus in the context of taking off clothes.Tatoeba #2521821 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1946887 by Spamster
- Er zog sich aus.He took off his clothes.Tatoeba #1948472 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1946888 by Spamster
- Sie zog sich aus.She took her clothes off.Tatoeba #3557177 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #7386272 by CH
- Bitte schalten Sie den Computer herunter.Please turn off the computer.
- Vergessen Sie nicht, das Licht auszuschalten, wenn Sie den Raum verlassen.Don't forget to turn off the light when you leave the room.
- Kannst du bitte das Radio ausmachen?Can you please turn off the radio?
- Lass uns den Fernseher abschalten und ein Buch lesen.Let's turn off the TV and read a book.
- 1138 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sarah and Lukas are in a dark room.
- SarahWarum ist das Licht aus?Why is the light off?
- LukasIch habe es gerade ausgeschaltet.I just turned it off.
- SarahAber der Fernseher ist auch aus.But the TV is off too.
- LukasJa, wir müssen jetzt schlafen.Yes, we have to sleep now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry aus, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aus, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
