herausnehmen
The English phrase 'take out' can be translated into German as herausnehmen. Wiktionary also lists auspacken.
Meaning: to remove (verb)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| herausnehmen | ||
| auspacken | /ˈaʊ̯sˌpakn̩/ | colloquial |
The primary meaning is to remove something from a container or a specific space.
What does it mean word for word?
The verb herausnehmen is composed of heraus (out/outwards) and nehmen (to take).
Which one should you use?
herausnehmen is used for the physical act of removing something from a container or space, whereas auspacken is specifically used for unpacking or taking things out of packaging.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
auspacken is a more colloquial way to describe taking things out, often used in the context of unpacking a suitcase or a parcel.
How does it change in a sentence?
The past participle of herausnehmen is herausgenommen.
When do people say it?
When referring specifically to taking food to-go, the phrase Speisen zum Mitnehmen is used.
Did you know?
- The verb auspacken is often used metaphorically in German politics and journalism to mean 'spilling the beans' or revealing secrets.
- When 'taking out' a date for dinner, Germans don't use herausnehmen but rather ausführen, which means 'to lead out'.
- The word nehmen in herausnehmen shares a common ancient root with the English word 'nimble', which originally referred to being quick to 'take'.
Examples in context
- Er sagte mit ernster Miene: „Ich habe ein Messer. Soll ich dir deinen Magen herausnehmen?“He said with a serious expression, "I've got a knife. Should I take out your stomach?"This sentence shows the use of herausnehmen in a sentence.Tatoeba #1749047 by al_ex_an_der, translation #12926799 by rul
- Das Essen zum Mitnehmen, bitteThe food to take along, please
- Sie bieten also keinen Außer-Haus-Verkauf an?So, you don't offer take-out food?
- Für Menschen, die wenig Zeit zum Kochen haben, sind Speisen zum Mitnehmen eine gute Option.For people with little time for cooking, take-out food is a good option.
- Kann ich das bitte zum Mitnehmen haben?Can I please have that to go?
- Ich liebe es, Essen zum Mitnehmen zu bestellen, wenn ich keine Lust zum Kochen habe.I love ordering take-out food when I don't feel like cooking.
- Kannst du bitte den Schlüssel herausnehmen?Can you please take out the key?
- Er muss die Datei aus dem Ordner herausnehmen.He must take the file out of the folder.
Example conversation
In a kitchen while preparing for a meal.
- JulianSarah, kannst du das Fleisch aus dem Kühlschrank herausnehmen?Sarah, can you take the meat out of the fridge?
- SarahJa, Julian, ich mache das sofort.Yes, Julian, I will do that immediately.
- JulianDanke, das wäre sehr hilfreich.Thanks, that would be very helpful.
- SarahKein Problem, ich helfe dir gerne.No problem, I am happy to help you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “take out” translations and entries herausnehmen, auspacken, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries auspacken, herausnehmen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
