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auswählen

A2 verb #3,500 most common 11 min read

auswählen

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips auswählen in 30 Seconds

Explanation auswählen in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just beginning to learn how to express basic needs and actions. 'Auswählen' might feel a bit complex because it is a separable verb, but you will see it often in very simple contexts. Think of it as 'to pick.' When you are in a classroom and the teacher says, 'Pick a partner,' or when you are looking at a menu and need to 'pick' a drink, you are using the concept of 'auswählen.' At this stage, focus on the present tense: 'Ich wähle ... aus.' You might use it when shopping: 'Ich wähle das rote T-Shirt aus.' Even if you sometimes forget to put the 'aus' at the end, people will understand you, but practicing the 'sentence bracket' now will help you immensely later. You will mostly encounter it in the imperative form (commands) on websites or apps, such as 'Bitte auswählen' (Please select). It’s a very practical word for navigating the digital world in German. Don't worry about the past tense yet; just focus on the idea of picking one thing from a group of two or three things. It is one of the first 'long' verbs you might learn that has a prefix that moves, making it a great exercise for your brain to get used to German word order. Remember: subject, verb, thing you pick, 'aus'!

At the A2 level, 'auswählen' becomes a key part of your vocabulary for describing daily routines and preferences. You are expected to handle separable verbs with more confidence. You should be able to use 'auswählen' in the present tense correctly: 'Er wählt ein Buch aus.' You should also start using it with modal verbs, which is actually easier because the verb stays together: 'Ich muss ein Thema auswählen.' This is very useful for school or work. You will also begin to encounter the Perfekt tense (past tense). Remember the form: 'hat ausgewählt.' For example, 'Wir haben die Pizza ausgewählt.' At A2, you are moving beyond just 'taking' things (nehmen) and starting to 'select' them. This shows you are making a choice. You might use it when talking about clothes, food, or simple tasks at work. You should also be able to understand the difference between 'auswählen' and 'wählen' (like voting). 'Auswählen' is for objects or specific people in a group. It’s a word that helps you be more specific. When you describe a shopping trip or a visit to a museum, 'auswählen' is the perfect verb to explain how you decided what to buy or what to look at. It is a 'building block' verb for expressing agency.

By B1, you should be using 'auswählen' fluidly in various tenses and sentence structures, including subordinate clauses. For example: 'Ich bin froh, dass du dieses Restaurant ausgewählt hast.' You understand that 'auswählen' is more formal than 'aussuchen' and you can choose the right one based on who you are talking to. You also start to see the noun form: 'die Auswahl' (the selection/choice). You might say, 'Es gibt eine große Auswahl an Produkten.' At this level, 'auswählen' is not just about physical objects; it's about choosing options, paths, or strategies. You can use it in a professional context: 'Wir müssen die passenden Kriterien auswählen, um den Erfolg zu messen.' You are also likely to encounter it in passive constructions, which are common in B1: 'Die Gewinner wurden von einer Jury ausgewählt.' This level requires you to understand the nuances of the word—that it implies a deliberate, often criteria-based process. You might also use the reflexive form 'sich etwas auswählen' to sound more natural when talking about personal choices. Your ability to use 'auswählen' correctly in a work email or a formal letter is a sign that you have reached a solid intermediate level. It shows you can handle the 'Satzklammer' (sentence bracket) even in complex sentences with multiple clauses.

At the B2 level, 'auswählen' is a tool for precision. You use it to describe complex selection processes in business, science, or social contexts. You are comfortable with its placement in any sentence structure, including the Präteritum (simple past) used in formal writing: 'Die Firma wählte sorgfältig die Standorte aus.' You also understand related academic terms like 'Selektionsprozess' or 'Auswahlkriterium.' At B2, you should be able to discuss the *act* of selecting as a concept. For instance, you might discuss the ethics of 'auswählen' in the context of genetic engineering or the difficulties of 'auswählen' in an era of over-information (the paradox of choice). You can use synonyms like 'selektieren' or 'herausgreifen' to avoid repetition and to sound more sophisticated. You also understand idiomatic uses and how the word functions in more abstract settings. For example, 'eine Stichprobe auswählen' (to select a sample) in a statistical context. Your vocabulary is now rich enough to explain *why* something was selected, using 'auswählen' as the central action. You can also distinguish it from 'ernennen' (to appoint) or 'bestimmen' (to determine). At this stage, the verb is no longer a challenge of word order, but a choice of stylistic precision. You use it to show that a choice was not random but based on a specific rationale or methodology.

At the C1 level, you possess a near-native grasp of 'auswählen' and its place within the German lexical field. You recognize the subtle stylistic differences between 'auswählen,' 'erküren,' and 'selektieren.' You can use 'auswählen' in highly formal or academic writing without hesitation. You are familiar with the nominalized infinitive 'das Auswählen' and can use it as a subject: 'Das Auswählen der richtigen Worte ist eine Kunst.' You understand the nuances of prefix variations and how they change the tone of a sentence. For example, you can use 'auswählen' in the context of 'Kuratieren' (curating) in the arts. You are also aware of the historical or etymological roots of the word and how it relates to the concept of 'Wahl' (choice/election) in German philosophy or political science. In discussions, you can use the word to analyze selection biases or the methodology of research. You might say, 'Die Probanden wurden nach einem Zufallsprinzip ausgewählt, um die Validität der Studie zu gewährleisten.' Your use of the word is effortless, and you can play with its position for emphasis in complex rhetorical structures. You also understand how 'auswählen' fits into legal or administrative jargon, such as 'Auswahlermessen' (discretionary selection). At C1, the word is a flexible instrument in your linguistic repertoire, used to convey exactitude and professional authority.

At the C2 level, 'auswählen' is a word you use with total mastery, including its most subtle connotations and literary applications. You can appreciate its use in high literature, where 'auswählen' might be used to describe a character's internal struggle with destiny or choice. You are capable of using it in highly specialized fields, from computer science (algorithmische Auswahl) to linguistics (lexikalische Auswahl). You understand the philosophical implications of 'auswählen'—the act of excluding others by choosing one. You can use the word in sophisticated puns or metaphors. You are also expert at using the passive voice and various modal constructions to express nuance: 'Es hätte sorgfältiger ausgewählt werden müssen.' You can navigate the most dense bureaucratic or legal texts where 'auswählen' appears in complex compounds. You might even use archaic or very rare synonyms like 'ausersinnen' in a playful or highly stylized way to mirror the function of 'auswählen.' For a C2 learner, 'auswählen' is more than just a verb; it’s a concept that you can deconstruct and discuss in the context of German culture, history, and logic. You use it to articulate the finest distinctions in thought and action, proving a deep, intuitive connection to the German language's structure and soul.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

auswählen in 30 Seconds

Auswählen means 'to select' or 'pick out' from a set of options.
It is a separable verb: 'Ich wähle aus' in the present tense.
Commonly used in digital menus, shopping, and professional recruitment.
Requires the accusative case for the object being selected.

The German verb auswählen is a fundamental pillar of the German language, particularly when navigating the transition from basic communication to more specific interactions. At its core, it translates to "to choose," "to select," or "to pick out." While the simpler verb wählen can also mean to choose, auswählen implies a more deliberate process of sorting through a set of available options to find the most suitable one. It is a separable verb (trennbares Verb), meaning the prefix aus- migrates to the end of the sentence in simple present and past tense constructions. This word is indispensable in scenarios ranging from mundane daily tasks, like picking a shirt from a wardrobe, to professional contexts, such as selecting the right candidate for a job opening. Understanding auswählen allows learners to express agency and preference with precision.

The Nuance of Selection: Unlike the English 'choose,' which can be broad, auswählen often suggests a finite group of items is present. You aren't just making a choice in the abstract; you are physically or mentally extracting one or more options from a pool. This is why it is the standard term used on websites and digital interfaces for 'selecting' items or settings.
Daily Life Applications: In a restaurant, while you might 'wählen' a dish from the menu, the act of specifically picking out the ingredients for a custom salad is better described as auswählen. It emphasizes the 'out' (aus) part of the selection process—picking something *out* from the rest.

"Bitte wählen Sie die gewünschten Artikel im Warenkorb aus."
— Common E-commerce Instruction

The verb's versatility is evident in its use across different registers. In a casual setting, you might tell a friend, "Du kannst dir ein Geschenk auswählen" (You can pick out a gift for yourself). In a formal scientific context, a researcher might state, "Wir haben die Proben nach strengen Kriterien ausgewählt" (We selected the samples according to strict criteria). This adaptability makes it a high-frequency word that A2 learners must master to move toward B1 proficiency. It bridges the gap between simple desire and specific action. Furthermore, the psychological aspect of auswählen involves a sense of discernment. It is not a random pick; it is a selection based on criteria, whether those criteria are personal taste, quality, or logic.

"Wir müssen die beste Strategie für unser Projekt auswählen."

Strategically, using auswählen signals to a German speaker that you understand the specificity of an action. It shows a higher level of vocabulary than simply using 'nehmen' (to take). When you select a movie on Netflix, you are 'auswählen.' When you pick a seat on a plane, you are 'auswählen.' It is the verb of the modern consumer and the careful decision-maker. As you progress, you will see it paired with various adverbs like 'sorgfältig' (carefully), 'gezielt' (specifically), or 'beliebig' (arbitrarily), which further refine the nature of the choice being made.

Mastering the sentence structure of auswählen requires a solid understanding of German's separable verbs and the accusative case. Since auswählen is transitive, it always takes a direct object in the accusative. The most critical grammatical feature for English speakers is the movement of the prefix aus. In a main clause in the present tense, the verb stem wähl- is conjugated and placed in the second position, while aus is kicked to the very end of the sentence. This creates the famous German 'sentence bracket' (Satzklammer).

Present Tense Construction: Structure: Subject + conjugated 'wählen' + object + 'aus'.
Example: "Ich wähle ein Kleid aus." (I am picking out a dress.)
Perfect Tense (Past): Structure: Subject + haben + object + 'ausgewählt'.
Example: "Er hat die Musik ausgewählt." (He selected the music.) Note that the '-ge-' is sandwiched between the prefix and the stem.

"Können Sie bitte ein Passwort auswählen?"

When using modal verbs like können (can), müssen (must), or sollen (should), the prefix does not separate. The modal verb is conjugated in the second position, and the entire infinitive auswählen goes to the end. This is often easier for English speakers because it mirrors the English 'can select.' For example: "Du musst eine Farbe auswählen" (You must select a color). In subordinate clauses (sentences starting with weil, dass, wenn, etc.), the conjugated verb also remains attached to its prefix and moves to the end: "...weil ich dieses Buch auswähle."

"Ich wählte den kürzesten Weg aus."

Another important aspect is the reflexive use. While less common than the standard transitive use, you can say "sich etwas auswählen" (to pick something out for oneself). For example: "Ich wähle mir ein Stück Kuchen aus" (I pick out a piece of cake for myself). Here, 'mir' is in the dative case because the cake is the direct object (accusative). This adds a layer of personal involvement to the selection process. Whether you are selecting a file on a computer or a teammate for a sports game, the structural rules remain consistent. Practice these variations to ensure that the prefix aus doesn't get lost in your sentence construction.

In modern Germany, you will encounter auswählen almost every time you interact with technology or service providers. It is the go-to verb for digital interfaces. When you use an ATM, a ticket machine at a train station, or a shopping app, the prompts will invariably use this word. It represents the interface between human choice and machine processing. For instance, a touch screen might display: "Bitte wählen Sie Ihre Sprache aus" (Please select your language). This makes it one of the most 'visible' verbs in the urban German landscape.

In the Professional World: Human Resources (Personalwesen) is a primary domain for this word. Managers don't just 'find' employees; they wählen sie aus. The 'Auswahlverfahren' (selection process) is a formal procedure in almost every German company. You will hear it in meetings: "Wir haben drei Bewerber ausgewählt" (We have selected three applicants).
In Education and Academia: Teachers use it when asking students to pick a topic for a presentation or a book for a report. "Wählt bitte ein Thema für eure Hausarbeit aus!" (Please select a topic for your term paper!). It implies a level of responsibility on the student's part to make a thoughtful choice.

"Die Jury hat die besten Fotos für die Ausstellung ausgewählt."

Beyond formal settings, auswählen is frequent in retail. A salesperson might say, "Sie können aus verschiedenen Modellen auswählen" (You can choose from various models). It creates a sense of variety and freedom. In the media, you'll hear it during casting shows or sports broadcasts when coaches are 'selecting' their starting lineup. The word carries a weight of finality and distinction; once something is ausgewählt, it has been elevated from the group. Listening for this word in podcasts or news broadcasts will help you understand how Germans categorize and prioritize information.

"Welche Farbe sollen wir für das Logo auswählen?"

In summary, auswählen is the verb of selection in the broadest sense—from picking a specific file on your desktop to choosing a life partner (though 'wählen' is often used for the latter in a more poetic sense, 'auswählen' would imply a more systematic search). Whenever there is a set of options and a decision is made to take one or more of them, auswählen is the word you will hear. It is functional, precise, and ubiquitous.

One of the most frequent hurdles for learners is the confusion between auswählen, wählen, and aussuchen. While they all relate to 'choosing,' they are not always interchangeable. Using the wrong one can make a sentence sound slightly 'off' or even change the meaning entirely. For example, wählen is the verb used for voting in an election or dialing a phone number. If you say "Ich wähle einen Apfel aus," it means you are picking one apple from a basket. If you say "Ich wähle einen Apfel," it sounds a bit like you are voting for the apple to be president.

The 'Aussuchen' vs. 'Auswählen' Trap: Aussuchen is more informal and personal. You 'choose' (suchst dir aus) a movie for tonight. Auswählen is more formal and systematic. You 'select' (wählst aus) a candidate for a scholarship. Using auswählen for very trivial, casual things can sometimes sound overly formal, while using aussuchen in a technical manual would be too colloquial.
Prefix Separation Errors: Learners often forget to move the 'aus' to the end. They might say "Ich auswählen ein Buch" or "Ich auswähle ein Buch." Correct: "Ich wähle ein Buch aus." Remember: The conjugated part stays in the second position, and the prefix travels to the caboose of the sentence.

Falsch: "Ich habe geauswählt."
Richtig: "Ich habe ausgewählt."

Another mistake involves the preposition that follows. When you say "choose from," you must use aus + dative. "Ich wähle aus den Optionen aus." The double 'aus' (one as a preposition, one as a prefix) can be confusing, but it is grammatically correct. Many learners try to use 'von,' which is less common in this context. Furthermore, don't confuse auswählen with entscheiden. Entscheiden means 'to decide' (often between actions), whereas auswählen is specifically about selecting an object or person from a group.

Falsch: "Wähl aus die Antwort."
Richtig: "Wähl die Antwort aus!"

Lastly, pay attention to the past participle. Because it is a weak verb, it ends in '-t' (ausgewählt). Some learners mistakenly use a strong ending like '-en' (ausgewählen), likely confusing it with verbs like sehen/gesehen. Consistency is key: wählen, wählte, ausgewählt. By keeping these common pitfalls in mind, you will speak much more naturally and avoid the 'foreigner's giveaway' of misplaced prefixes or incorrect verb endings.

German is a language of precision, and auswählen has several cousins that each occupy a specific niche. Understanding these alternatives will allow you to tailor your speech to the situation, whether you're at a job interview or hanging out with friends. The most common synonym is aussuchen, but there are many others that carry different weights of formality and intent.

Aussuchen (The Casual Choice): This is the everyday version of 'picking out.' If you're at a candy store, you suchst dir etwas aus. It feels more like 'browsing and picking' rather than 'evaluating and selecting.' It is almost always used reflexively with the dative: "Such dir was aus!" (Pick something out for yourself!).
Wählen (The Broad Choice): This is the root verb. It's used for voting (wählen gehen), dialing a number, or choosing a path in life. It's less about picking an object out of a box and more about making a fundamental decision or preference known.
Selektieren (The Technical Choice): Borrowed from Latin, this is used in scientific, biological, or highly technical contexts. It implies a very rigorous, often automated or criteria-based selection. You might 'selektieren' data in a database.

"Wir müssen die Bewerber nach Qualifikation auswählen, aber am Ende entscheiden wir uns für den sympathischsten."

Other interesting alternatives include erwählen, which is very high-register, almost biblical or poetic, meaning 'to choose' in the sense of 'the chosen one.' Then there is herauspicken, which means 'to cherry-pick' or 'to pluck out,' often used when you're choosing something specific from a large, messy pile. Bestimmen (to determine/designate) can also be a synonym in contexts where choosing involves setting a rule or a specific winner.

When deciding which to use, ask yourself: Is this a professional setting? (Use auswählen). Is this a casual setting with friends? (Use aussuchen). Am I clicking a button on a computer? (Use auswählen). Am I voting for a politician? (Use wählen). By differentiating these verbs, you move from 'functional' German to 'natural' German, showing that you understand the social and technical context of your words.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The root is connected to the concept of 'will.' To choose is essentially an act of exerting one's will upon a set of possibilities.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈaʊs.vɛːlən/

US /ˈaʊs.vɛːlən/

The primary stress is on the prefix 'aus'. In German separable verbs, the prefix is almost always stressed.

Rhymes With

zählen quälen stählen fehlen stehlen empfehlen befehlen vermählen

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'w' as 'w' in 'water' instead of 'v' in 'vase'.
Failing to stress the 'aus' prefix.
Pronouncing the 'h' in 'wählen' (it is silent and indicates a long vowel).
Mumbling the 'en' ending.
Confusing the 'ä' sound with a short 'e'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in context, especially on websites.

Writing 4/5

Prefix separation and past participle 'ausgewählt' can be tricky for beginners.

Speaking 3/5

Remembering to put 'aus' at the end of the sentence is the main challenge.

Listening 3/5

You have to wait until the end of the sentence to hear the 'aus'.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

wählen aus nehmen suchen die Wahl

Learn Next

entscheiden die Auswahl bevorzugen unterscheiden bestimmen

Advanced

selektieren erwählen ausersinnen herauskristallisieren aussondern

Grammar to Know

Separable Verbs (Trennbare Verben)

Ich wähle (verb) ... aus (prefix).

Accusative Case for Direct Objects

Ich wähle den (masculine accusative) Pullover aus.

Past Participle of Separable Weak Verbs

aus + ge + wähl + t = ausgewählt.

Infinitive with 'zu'

Es ist schwer, ein Geschenk auszuwählen.

Modal Verbs and Infinitives

Du musst eine Option auswählen.

Examples by Level

Ich wähle eine Pizza aus.

I pick out a pizza.

Simple present tense with separable prefix 'aus' at the end.

Wähle ein Buch aus!

Pick out a book!

Imperative (command) form.

Kannst du die Farbe auswählen?

Can you pick the color?

Modal verb 'können' means the prefix stays attached.

Bitte wählen Sie ein Passwort aus.

Please select a password.

Formal imperative using 'Sie'.

Er wählt die Musik aus.

He is picking out the music.

Third person singular present tense.

Wählen wir den Film aus?

Are we picking the movie?

Question form in present tense.

Ich möchte ein Geschenk auswählen.

I would like to pick out a gift.

'Möchte' functions like a modal verb; 'auswählen' is at the end.

Sie wählt ein Kleid aus.

She is picking out a dress.

Separable prefix moves to the end.

Ich habe die Schuhe ausgewählt.

I have selected the shoes.

Perfekt tense with 'haben' and 'ausgewählt'.

Du sollst die richtige Antwort auswählen.

You should select the right answer.

Modal verb 'sollen' with infinitive at the end.

Wir wählen die besten Fotos aus.

We are selecting the best photos.

Plural present tense.

Warum hast du diesen Kurs ausgewählt?

Why did you select this course?

Question in Perfekt tense.

Sie müssen ein Ziel auswählen.

You must select a destination.

Formal 'Sie' with modal 'müssen'.

Ich wähle mir ein Eis aus.

I'm picking out an ice cream for myself.

Reflexive use with dative 'mir'.

Wählt ihr die Spieler aus?

Are you (plural) selecting the players?

Plural informal 'ihr' question.

Er hat das Thema für sein Projekt ausgewählt.

He selected the topic for his project.

Perfekt tense.

Es ist wichtig, die richtigen Mitarbeiter auszuwählen.

It is important to select the right employees.

Infinitive with 'zu' becomes 'auszuwählen'.

Ich weiß nicht, welches Kleid ich auswählen soll.

I don't know which dress I should select.

Subordinate clause with modal verb.

Die Jury hat den Gewinner sorgfältig ausgewählt.

The jury carefully selected the winner.

Perfekt tense with adverb 'sorgfältig'.

Nachdem wir das Restaurant ausgewählt hatten, reservierten wir einen Tisch.

After we had selected the restaurant, we reserved a table.

Plusquamperfekt (past perfect) in a subordinate clause.

Kannst du mir helfen, ein Geschenk auszuwählen?

Can you help me pick out a gift?

Infinitive construction with 'zu'.

Die Teilnehmer werden nach Zufall ausgewählt.

The participants are selected at random.

Passive voice (Vorgangspassiv).

Wir müssen eine Strategie auswählen, die funktioniert.

We must select a strategy that works.

Relative clause following 'auswählen'.

Ich habe mir dieses Buch aus der Bibliothek ausgewählt.

I chose this book for myself from the library.

Reflexive 'mir' + prepositional phrase.

Die Software ermöglicht es, mehrere Dateien gleichzeitig auszuwählen.

The software makes it possible to select multiple files at once.

Technical context; infinitive with 'zu'.

Bei der Auswahl der Kandidaten müssen wir objektiv bleiben.

When selecting candidates, we must remain objective.

Use of the noun 'Auswahl' related to the verb.

Haben Sie die Kriterien für die Bewertung bereits ausgewählt?

Have you already selected the criteria for the evaluation?

Formal Perfekt question.

Es wurde eine Stichprobe von 500 Personen ausgewählt.

A sample of 500 people was selected.

Passive voice in the past.

Man kann zwischen verschiedenen Zahlungsarten auswählen.

One can choose between different payment methods.

Impersonal 'man' and 'zwischen' + dative.

Die Künstlerin wählte die Farben für ihr Gemälde sehr bewusst aus.

The artist selected the colors for her painting very deliberately.

Präteritum (simple past) tense.

Wir sollten die Partner für die Kooperation sorgfältig auswählen.

We should carefully select the partners for the cooperation.

Konjunktiv II (subjunctive) for recommendations.

Indem wir die besten Proben auswählen, sichern wir die Qualität.

By selecting the best samples, we ensure quality.

Subordinate clause starting with 'indem'.

Die Komplexität der Aufgabe erfordert es, die Prioritäten klug auszuwählen.

The complexity of the task requires selecting priorities wisely.

Abstract direct object 'Prioritäten'.

Die Kuratoren haben die Exponate für die neue Ausstellung ausgewählt.

The curators have selected the exhibits for the new exhibition.

Professional/Academic context.

Es gilt, aus einer Fülle von Informationen die relevantesten auszuwählen.

It is necessary to select the most relevant from a wealth of information.

Fixed expression 'Es gilt... zu...'.

Die Probanden wurden nach strengen medizinischen Vorgaben ausgewählt.

The test subjects were selected according to strict medical guidelines.

Passive voice with complex prepositional phrase.

Wäre das Design anders ausgewählt worden, hätte es mehr Erfolg gehabt.

If the design had been selected differently, it would have been more successful.

Irrealis (Conditionals) in the passive voice.

Die Fähigkeit, Informationen gezielt auszuwählen, ist in der heutigen Zeit essenziell.

The ability to select information specifically is essential in this day and age.

Nominalized infinitive construction.

Man wählte ihn aufgrund seiner langjährigen Erfahrung für die Position aus.

He was selected for the position due to his many years of experience.

Präteritum with 'aufgrund' + genitive.

Sie wählte die Worte ihrer Rede mit äußerster Präzision aus.

She selected the words of her speech with extreme precision.

Metaphorical use for abstract concepts.

Die algorithmische Selektion bestimmt oft, welche Inhalte wir in sozialen Netzwerken auswählen.

Algorithmic selection often determines which content we select in social networks.

Interplay between 'Selektion' and 'auswählen'.

In seinem Werk thematisiert der Autor das menschliche Unvermögen, den richtigen Lebensweg auszuwählen.

In his work, the author addresses the human inability to select the right path in life.

High literary register.

Die Stichprobenziehung muss so erfolgen, dass die auszuwählenden Elemente repräsentativ sind.

The sampling must be done in such a way that the elements to be selected are representative.

Gerundive construction (zu + Partizip I as adjective).

Es ist eine diffizile Angelegenheit, die passenden Nuancen für die Übersetzung auszuwählen.

It is a delicate matter to select the appropriate nuances for the translation.

Abstract/Linguistic context.

Hätte man die Parameter anders ausgewählt, wäre das Experiment gescheitert.

If the parameters had been selected differently, the experiment would have failed.

Complex conditional structure.

Die Selektionskriterien wurden im Hinblick auf die langfristige Nachhaltigkeit ausgewählt.

The selection criteria were selected with a view to long-term sustainability.

Passive voice with 'im Hinblick auf'.

Man darf nicht willkürlich auswählen, wenn es um juristische Präzedenzfälle geht.

One must not select arbitrarily when it comes to legal precedents.

Legal/Formal register.

Die Kuratierung erfordert ein feines Gespür dafür, welche Werke man für das Publikum auswählt.

Curating requires a fine sense of which works one selects for the audience.

Subordinate clause with 'dafür'.

Common Collocations

sorgfältig auswählen

zufällig auswählen

gezielt auswählen

manuell auswählen

automatisch auswählen

ein Thema auswählen

einen Kandidaten auswählen

aus einer Liste auswählen

frei auswählen

nach Kriterien auswählen

Common Phrases

Wählen Sie bitte aus.

— A polite request for someone to make a choice. Often heard in shops or restaurants.

Hier ist die Karte. Wählen Sie bitte aus.

Ich habe keine Wahl.

— Technically using the noun, but related. It means having no options to select from.

Ich muss gehen, ich habe keine Wahl.

Die Qual der Wahl haben.

— An idiom meaning to be spoiled for choice or to find it hard to choose because there are too many good options.

Es gibt so viele Kuchen, ich habe die Qual der Wahl.

Ausgewählte Werke.

— Selected works. Often used for books, art, or music collections.

Das Buch enthält ausgewählte Werke von Goethe.

Einen Button auswählen.

— To select a button on a digital interface.

Wählen Sie den 'Bestätigen'-Button aus.

Sich etwas aussuchen/auswählen.

— To pick something out for oneself. The reflexive use adds a personal touch.

Wähl dir doch etwas Schönes aus!

Streng ausgewählt.

— Strictly selected. Implies high standards.

Die Teilnehmer für das Programm sind streng ausgewählt.

Nach Belieben auswählen.

— To choose at will or as one pleases.

Sie können die Farben nach Belieben auswählen.

Ein Passwort auswählen.

— The standard phrase for setting a password.

Sie müssen ein sicheres Passwort auswählen.

Einen Partner auswählen.

— To choose a partner, either in business, sports, or life.

Wir müssen einen neuen Geschäftspartner auswählen.

Often Confused With

auswählen vs wählen

Wählen is for voting or dialing; auswählen is for selecting from a group.

auswählen vs entscheiden

Entscheiden is 'to decide' (an action); auswählen is 'to select' (an object).

auswählen vs aussuchen

Aussuchen is more casual; auswählen is more formal/systematic.

Idioms & Expressions

"Die Qual der Wahl haben"

— To have the agony of choice; struggling to choose between many good options.

Bei diesem Buffet hat man wirklich die Qual der Wahl.

common

"Wer die Wahl hat, hat die Qual"

— He who has the choice has the agony. A proverb about the difficulty of making decisions.

Es gibt zehn Sorten Eis. Tja, wer die Wahl hat, hat die Qual!

proverbial

"Sich die Rosinen herauspicken"

— To cherry-pick; to only select the best or most profitable parts of something.

Er will immer nur die Rosinen herauspicken und die schwere Arbeit uns überlassen.

informal

"Die Wahl der Qual"

— A humorous reversal of 'Qual der Wahl', implying all choices are bad.

Beide Politiker sind schrecklich. Das ist die Wahl der Qual.

colloquial

"Erste Wahl sein"

— To be the first choice or top quality.

Dieses Material ist erste Wahl für den Hausbau.

neutral

"Zweite Wahl sein"

— To be second-rate or a backup option.

Ich möchte nicht nur deine zweite Wahl sein.

emotional

"Wahlverwandtschaft"

— Elective affinity. A deep connection with someone not based on blood but on choice.

Zwischen den beiden Künstlern bestand eine echte Wahlverwandtschaft.

literary

"Den Ton angeben"

— To set the tone (related to selecting the style/direction).

In dieser Firma wählt der Chef die Richtung aus und gibt den Ton an.

metaphorical

"In die engere Wahl kommen"

— To be shortlisted; to make it into the final group of candidates.

Ihr Entwurf ist in die engere Wahl gekommen.

professional

"Keine andere Wahl lassen"

— To leave someone no other choice.

Sein Verhalten ließ mir keine andere Wahl, als zu kündigen.

formal

Easily Confused

auswählen vs wählen

They share the same root.

Wählen is general (voting/dialing), while auswählen is specific (picking out of a set).

Ich wähle die SPD (voting). Ich wähle ein Hemd aus (picking a shirt).

auswählen vs entscheiden

Both involve making a choice.

Entscheiden is the mental act of deciding; auswählen is the physical or specific act of selecting an item.

Ich entscheide mich für den Job. Ich wähle die Krawatte aus.

auswählen vs aussuchen

Both mean 'to pick out'.

Aussuchen is colloquial and often reflexive. Auswählen is more formal and used in technical contexts.

Such dir was aus! (Informal). Bitte wählen Sie eine Option aus (Formal).

auswählen vs anwählen

Both are separable verbs with 'wählen'.

Anwählen means to dial a number or to click/highlight something on a screen without necessarily 'finalizing' a selection.

Ich habe die falsche Nummer angewählt.

auswählen vs erwählen

Similar sounding.

Erwählen is very formal or religious, meaning 'to elect' or 'to be the chosen one'.

Gott hat ihn erwählt.

Sentence Patterns

Ich wähle [Objekt] aus.

Ich wähle einen Apfel aus.

Ich habe [Objekt] ausgewählt.

Ich habe die Pizza ausgewählt.

Ich muss [Objekt] auswählen.

Ich muss ein Thema auswählen.

Es ist wichtig, [Objekt] auszuwählen.

Es ist wichtig, die richtigen Worte auszuwählen.

[Objekt] wurde nach [Kriterien] ausgewählt.

Die Proben wurden nach strengen Kriterien ausgewählt.

Hätte man [Objekt] anders ausgewählt, ...

Hätte man die Strategie anders ausgewählt, wäre das Ergebnis besser.

Wähle [Objekt] aus!

Wähle ein Bild aus!

Können Sie [Objekt] auswählen?

Können Sie die Datei auswählen?

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in both spoken and written German, especially in service and tech contexts.

Common Mistakes

Ich auswählen ein Buch. → Ich wähle ein Buch aus.
You must conjugate the verb and move the prefix to the end in a main clause.
Ich habe geauswählt. → Ich habe ausgewählt.
In separable verbs, the 'ge-' goes between the prefix and the stem.
Ich wähle von den Optionen aus. → Ich wähle aus den Optionen aus.
The correct preposition to use with 'auswählen' is 'aus' (+ dative), not 'von'.
Ich wähle die Nummer aus. → Ich wähle die Nummer.
For dialing a phone number, use 'wählen', not 'auswählen'.
Ich wähle aus die richtige Antwort. → Ich wähle die richtige Antwort aus.
The object must come before the separable prefix at the end of the sentence.

Tips

Separable Prefix

Always put 'aus' at the very end of your main clause. 'Ich wähle heute das rote Auto aus.' This creates the 'sentence bracket' which is vital for correct German.

Formal vs Informal

Use 'auswählen' in professional emails and 'aussuchen' when talking to friends about what to do on the weekend.

Digital German

Pay attention to 'auswählen' on websites. It's the standard word for 'select'. Learning it will make navigating German websites much easier.

Stress the Prefix

In German, the separable prefix is always stressed. Say AUS-wählen, not aus-WÄHLEN.

The 'Out' Mnemonic

Link 'aus' to 'out'. You are picking something 'out'. This helps you remember both the meaning and that it is separable.

Past Participle

Remember: aus + ge + wählt. The 'ge' goes in the middle. 'Ich habe es ausgewählt.'

Noun Connection

Connect it to 'die Auswahl' (the selection). If you know the noun, the verb becomes easier to remember.

Wait for the End

When listening to Germans, don't assume the verb is just 'wählen' until you've heard the whole sentence. The 'aus' at the end changes the meaning.

Imperative Use

Practice the command form: 'Wähle aus!' It's a great way to get used to the separation.

Meritocracy

In Germany, 'auswählen' often implies a fair process based on rules. Using it shows you understand this cultural value.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'HOUSE-VAIL-EN'. You are in a 'house' (aus) and you lift a 'veil' (wähl) to 'enable' (en) yourself to see the best option to pick.

Visual Association

Imagine a large box of assorted chocolates. You reach in and pull one *out* (aus). That specific action of picking one out of the many is 'auswählen'.

Word Web

Auswahl Wahl Kriterium Option Entscheidung Selektion Aussuchen Bestimmen

Challenge

Try to use 'auswählen' three times today: once for what you eat, once for what you wear, and once for a video you watch.

Word Origin

Formed from the prefix 'aus-' (out) and the verb 'wählen' (to choose). 'Wählen' originates from the Old High German 'wellen' and Middle High German 'welhen'.

Original meaning: To pick out or to want/desire from a group.

Germanic. Cognate with English 'well' (as in 'as you well know' or 'will') and 'wale' (to choose).

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but in historical contexts, 'Selektion' has very negative connotations related to WWII, so 'auswählen' is always the safer, neutral term.

English speakers often use 'choose' for everything. In German, 'auswählen' is more specific than 'choose'—it's 'select'.

Goethe's 'Die Wahlverwandtschaften' (Elective Affinities). German casting shows like 'Germany's Next Topmodel' where contestants are 'ausgewählt'. Political slogans regarding 'Die Wahl' (The Election).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Shopping

Welche Größe soll ich auswählen?
Ich kann mich nicht zwischen diesen beiden auswählen.
Haben Sie das Kleid schon ausgewählt?
Wählen Sie ein Produkt aus.

Technology

Wählen Sie Ihre Sprache aus.
Datei zum Hochladen auswählen.
Alles auswählen (Select all).
Einen Speicherort auswählen.

Job Application

Wir haben Sie für das Interview ausgewählt.
Wie werden die Kandidaten ausgewählt?
Die Auswahlkriterien sind sehr streng.
Ich wurde leider nicht ausgewählt.

School/University

Wählen Sie ein Thema für Ihr Referat aus.
Wir müssen die Kurse für das nächste Semester auswählen.
Welches Buch hast du für die Prüfung ausgewählt?
Die Teilnehmer wurden per Los ausgewählt.

Restaurant

Wählen Sie bitte eine Beilage aus.
Ich wähle den Fisch aus.
Haben Sie schon etwas zum Trinken ausgewählt?
Sie können aus drei Menüs auswählen.

Conversation Starters

"Wie wählst du normalerweise deine Urlaubsziele aus?"

"Welche Kriterien sind dir wichtig, wenn du ein neues Handy auswählst?"

"Hast du schon ausgewählt, was du heute Abend essen möchtest?"

"Nach welchen Aspekten wählst du deine Freunde aus?"

"Wie hat die Firma die neuen Mitarbeiter ausgewählt?"

Journal Prompts

Beschreibe einen Moment, in dem es dir schwergefallen ist, etwas auszuwählen.

Welche drei Dinge würdest du auswählen, wenn du auf eine einsame Insel gehen müsstest?

Wie wählst du die Bücher aus, die du liest? Hast du ein bestimmtes System?

Denke an deine letzte große Anschaffung. Wie hast du das Modell ausgewählt?

Wenn du einen neuen Beruf auswählen könntest, welcher wäre das und warum?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, 'auswählen' is always a separable verb. In the present tense, the 'aus' goes to the end: 'Ich wähle ... aus.' In the past participle, it is 'ausgewählt'.

No, for voting in an election, you should use 'wählen' (e.g., 'Ich gehe wählen'). 'Auswählen' is for picking items or people from a group.

'Aussuchen' is more informal and personal, like picking a movie with friends. 'Auswählen' is more formal and systematic, like a company selecting a candidate.

It takes the accusative case for the object being selected. For example: 'Ich wähle den (acc) Tisch aus.' However, you can use a reflexive dative to say 'for myself': 'Ich wähle mir (dat) einen Tisch (acc) aus.'

In computer interfaces, 'Select all' is usually translated as 'Alles auswählen'.

The noun form is 'die Auswahl', which means 'the selection' or 'the choice'.

Yes, you can select people for a team, a job, or a task. 'Wir haben die besten Spieler ausgewählt.'

Yes, 'ausgewählt' can be used as an adjective meaning 'select' or 'exclusive', as in 'ausgewählte Weine' (select wines).

Usually 'aus' (from). 'Ich wähle ein Buch aus der Liste aus.' Note the two 'aus'—one is a preposition, one is the verb prefix.

It is 'ausgewählt'. It is a weak verb, so the past participle ends in '-t'.