To transfer a digital document, image, or file from a computer or another device onto paper by using a printer.
example
Könntest du mir bitte die Tickets für das Konzert ausdrucken?
Could you please print out the tickets for the concert for me?
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Ausdrucken' (to print out) is a separable verb. The prefix 'aus' is separated from the verb in a main clause and placed at the end of the sentence. In the infinitive with 'zu', 'zu' goes in the middle.
EXAMPLE
Ich drucke dir die Unterlagen sofort aus.
I'll print out the documents for you right away.
Word structure
The verb consists of the prefix 'aus' and the verb 'drucken' (to print). The prefix 'aus' emphasizes that the result of the action (the paper) comes out of a device (the printer).
EXAMPLE
Der Drucker hat die Fotos in brillanten Farben ausgedruckt.
The printer printed out the photos in brilliant colors.
Typical collocations
You can print out many digital things, for example: 'ein Dokument' (a document), 'ein Formular' (a form), 'ein Foto' (a photo), 'eine E-Mail' (an email), or 'ein Online-Ticket' (an online ticket).
EXAMPLE
Bitte drucken Sie das Formular aus und bringen Sie es unterschrieben mit.
Please print out the form and bring it with you signed.
Sentence structure with dative
The verb is often used with a dative complement to say for whom something is being printed out. The structure is then: jemandem (dative) etwas (accusative) ausdrucken.
EXAMPLE
Kannst du mir bitte diese E-Mail ausdrucken?
Can you please print out this email for me?
Compare with
near_synonym · confusable
ausdrucken vs drucken
to print / shirk
'drucken' and 'ausdrucken' both mean that text or images are put onto paper. 'drucken' is more general: it can refer to a printer at home, a printing press, or even large quantities. 'ausdrucken' is used especially when a digital file from a computer or phone is put onto paper. The words are often confused because both come up in everyday situations with printers. If you need a file, ticket, or form from the screen on paper, 'ausdrucken' sounds very natural.
ausdrucken
Vor der Reise druckt Lisa die Fahrkarten zu Hause aus.
Before the trip, Lisa prints out the tickets at home.
drucken
Im Kurs drucken wir die Übungen direkt auf dem Schuldrucker.
In the course, we print the exercises directly on the school printer.