01
ausführen
to carry out
To put a plan, an order, a job, or an activity into action; to execute something.
example
Die Bauarbeiten werden von einer lokalen Firma ausgeführt.
The construction work is being carried out by a local company.
ausführen
to carry out / to elaborate / to export
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Meanings
01 / 04
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Ausführen' (to carry out / to elaborate / to export) is a separable verb. The prefix 'aus' goes at the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Der Architekt führt den Plan exakt aus.
The architect carries out the plan exactly.
Word structure
The verb consists of the prefix 'aus' and the base verb 'führen' (to lead). The basic idea of bringing something out or leading something to completion connects the different meanings.
EXAMPLE
Die Firma führt die bestellten Waren morgen aus.
The company will export the ordered goods tomorrow.
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'durchführen' (to carry out), the verb is often combined with plans, orders, or work. Typical objects are: an assignment, a plan, a repair, or an instruction.
EXAMPLE
Der Handwerker hat die Reparatur schnell ausgeführt.
The handyman carried out the repair quickly.
Typical use
When it is about explaining, 'ausführen' (to elaborate) is often used with adverbs such as 'genauer' (more precisely / in more detail), 'detaillierter' (in more detail), or 'weiter' (further). It is a polite way to ask for more information.
EXAMPLE
Der Experte führte seine Gedanken zum Thema weiter aus.
The expert elaborated further on his thoughts about the topic.
Register
In the meaning 'exportieren' (to export), 'ausführen' belongs to formal business or administrative language. It is often used in reports or official documents.
EXAMPLE
Das Unternehmen führt seit Jahren erfolgreich Maschinen nach Asien aus.
The company has been successfully exporting machines to Asia for years.
Sentence structure and use
In this meaning, 'ausführen' (to take out) always requires an accusative object. The object is usually a person you take to a social event, or a pet for a walk.
EXAMPLE
Am Samstagabend hat er seine neue Freundin schick zum Essen ausgeführt.
On Saturday evening, he took his new girlfriend out for a fancy dinner.
Compare with
ausführen vs machen
to do / make
'machen' and 'ausführen' can both mean that you do an activity. 'machen' is very general and fits almost any everyday situation. 'ausführen' is more specific: you put a plan, assignment, order, or specific task into action. It often sounds somewhat more formal or technical than 'machen'. If you are just talking casually about an activity, you usually use 'machen'. If it is clear that someone is acting according to a plan or assignment, 'ausführen' fits better.
ausführen
Die Mitarbeiterin führt den Auftrag genau nach Plan aus.
The employee carries out the assignment exactly according to plan.
machen
Die Gruppe macht morgen eine kurze Übung für das Projekt.
The group is doing a short exercise for the project tomorrow.
In real life
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