01
ausfahren
to extend
To move a movable part from its resting position into an extended or stretched-out position.
example
Kurz vor der Landung fährt der Pilot das Fahrwerk aus.
Shortly before landing, the pilot extends the landing gear.
ausfahren
to extend / drive out / deliver
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Separable verb
'Ausfahren' (to extend / drive out / deliver) is a separable verb. The prefix 'aus' goes at the end in a main clause. In the infinitive with 'zu', 'zu' is placed between the prefix and the verb.
EXAMPLE
Der LKW fährt die Rampe langsam aus.
The truck slowly extends the ramp.
Word structure
The verb combines 'aus' (out) and 'fahren' (to drive/move). This basic idea of 'moving out' appears in almost all meanings, whether with technical parts, vehicles, or deliveries.
EXAMPLE
Bitte fahren Sie langsam aus der Tiefgarage aus.
Please drive slowly out of the underground garage.
Auxiliary verb: sein or haben?
The perfect tense is formed with 'sein' (to be) when it involves a change of location, for example taking a drive or driving out of a parking space. It is formed with 'haben' (to have) when an action is performed on an object, for example extending a technical part or delivering goods.
EXAMPLE
Wir sind am Wochenende mit dem Motorrad ausgefahren.
We went for a drive on the motorcycle at the weekend.
Typical collocations
In this technical meaning, the objects are often mechanical or movable parts. Typical phrases are: 'eine Antenne ausfahren' (to extend an antenna), 'eine Markise ausfahren' (to extend an awning), 'eine Leiter ausfahren' (to extend a ladder), or 'ein Teleskop ausfahren' (to extend a telescope).
EXAMPLE
Der Feuerwehrmann fuhr die lange Leiter des Wagens aus.
The firefighter extended the vehicle's long ladder.
Sentence structure with place
When you leave a place with a vehicle, the preposition 'aus' is used with the dative. Typical formulations are 'aus der Garage ausfahren' (to drive out of the garage) or 'aus der Einfahrt ausfahren' (to drive out of the driveway).
EXAMPLE
Schau nach links und rechts, bevor du aus der Einfahrt ausfährst.
Look left and right before you drive out of the driveway.
Fixed expression
The expression 'die Krallen ausfahren' (to show one's claws) is a fixed idiom. It is used metaphorically and means that a person suddenly becomes aggressive, defensive, or quarrelsome.
EXAMPLE
Zuerst war sie ganz ruhig, aber bei der Kritik fuhr sie sofort die Krallen aus.
At first she was completely calm, but when criticized, she immediately showed her claws.
Compare with
ausfahren vs liefern
to deliver / provide
'liefern' and 'ausfahren' can both mean that goods or orders are brought to customers. 'liefern' is more general and emphasizes that something arrives at the recipient. It fits with packages, furniture, food, or other ordered items. 'ausfahren' emphasizes the drive and distribution to several places, for example with mail, newspapers, or food. Learners may confuse the words because both occur in delivery services. In practical terms: the business delivers the pizza; the driver delivers the orders along a route.
ausfahren
Am Montag fährt Mehmet die Bestellungen in der ganzen Innenstadt aus.
On Monday, Mehmet delivers the orders throughout the entire city center.
liefern
Der Supermarkt liefert die schweren Getränke direkt bis zur Wohnungstür.
The supermarket delivers the heavy drinks straight to the apartment door.
In real life
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