01
ausbilden
to train
To teach someone the necessary knowledge and skills for a profession or a specific activity.
example
Die Firma bildet jedes Jahr mehrere Mechatroniker aus.
The company trains several mechatronics technicians every year.
ausbilden
to train / develop
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Separable verb
'Ausbilden' (to train / develop) is a separable verb. The prefix 'aus-' goes at the end in a main clause, stays connected to the verb in a subordinate clause, and in the infinitive with 'zu', 'zu' goes in the middle.
EXAMPLE
Dieses Unternehmen bildet seit Jahren erfolgreich Fachkräfte aus.
This company has been successfully training skilled workers for years.
Word family
The verb 'ausbilden' (to train / develop) is closely connected with the noun 'die Ausbildung' (vocational training, training) and the person 'der/die Auszubildende' (trainee/apprentice; short: der Azubi). All three terms are central in German professional life.
EXAMPLE
Nach der Schule beginnt sie eine Ausbildung zur Bankkauffrau.
After school, she begins vocational training to become a bank clerk.
Sentence structure and use
When qualifying a person for a profession, you use the structure 'jemanden (Akkusativ) zu etwas (Dativ) ausbilden' (to train someone as/into something). The goal of the training is in the dative.
EXAMPLE
Die Universität bildet Studenten zu qualifizierten Ingenieuren aus.
The university trains students to become qualified engineers.
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning from the object: if the object is a person, it is about professional training. If the object is an ability or a feature, it means 'to develop' or 'to form'.
EXAMPLE
Der Sportler hat über die Jahre eine enorme Kraft ausgebildet.
Over the years, the athlete developed enormous strength.
Compare with
ausbilden vs entwickeln
to develop
'entwickeln' and 'ausbilden' both describe a process in which something comes into being or improves. 'entwickeln' is often used for products, ideas, software, or for changes over a longer period of time. Something can also develop by itself. 'ausbilden' is used especially when a person is trained for a profession or an activity. It can also mean that an ability or characteristic develops. The words can be confused when talking about abilities: an ability can sich entwickeln (develop) or ausgebildet werden (be developed). When it is about training and a profession, 'ausbilden' is more precise; when it is about ideas, products, or general change, 'entwickeln' fits better.
ausbilden
Frau Wolf bildet junge Mitarbeiter für den Kundenservice aus.
Ms. Wolf trains young employees for customer service.
entwickeln
Das Team entwickelt eine App, die Fahrten in der Stadt einfacher plant.
The team is developing an app that makes planning trips around the city easier.
In real life
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