foothill / offshoot
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foothill
In a geographical sense, the gradually flattening, hilly areas at the edge of a mountain range.
Wir machten eine Wanderung in den sanften Ausläufern des Harzes.
We went for a hike in the gentle foothills of the Harz Mountains.
outer edge
In a meteorological sense, the edge area or the last remnants of a weather phenomenon such as a storm or a high-pressure system.
Nur die Ausläufer des Hurrikans erreichten die Küste mit starkem Regen und Wind.
Only the outer edges of the hurricane reached the coast, bringing heavy rain and wind.
aftereffects
The last noticeable effects or consequences of an event.
Die wirtschaftlichen Ausläufer der Pandemie werden uns noch Jahre beschäftigen.
The economic aftereffects of the pandemic will occupy us for years to come.
runner
In botany, a long above-ground or underground shoot of a plant from which new, independent plants can grow.
Erdbeerpflanzen vermehren sich sehr leicht über ihre Ausläufer.
Strawberry plants reproduce very easily through their runners.
The word derives from the verb 'auslaufen' (to run out / to extend outward). An 'Ausläufer' is therefore literally something that 'runs out' from a center or moves away from it. This basic idea connects all meanings, from mountains to storms to plants.
Die Ausläufer des Sturms brachten starken Wind in die Region.
The outer edges of the storm brought strong winds to the region.
The meaning can almost always be inferred from context: in geography, it refers to hills at the edge of a mountain range; in meteorology, to the edge of a weather system; in botany, to a plant shoot; and figuratively, to the aftereffects of an event.
Wir wanderten in den Ausläufern der Alpen.
We hiked in the foothills of the Alps.
Especially in the geographical, meteorological, and figurative meanings, the word is very often used in the plural, 'die Ausläufer' (the foothills / outer edges / aftereffects). This is because it usually describes an indefinite zone or several effects, not just a single point.
Die Ausläufer des Hochdruckgebiets sorgen für sonniges Wetter.
The outer edges of the high-pressure system are bringing sunny weather.
In the figurative sense, 'Ausläufer' (aftereffects) is often combined with adjectives such as 'wirtschaftlich' (economic), 'politisch' (political), or 'letzte' (last). It then describes the consequences of crises, reforms, or other important events.
Die politischen Ausläufer dieser Entscheidung sind noch nicht absehbar.
The political aftereffects of this decision cannot yet be predicted.
effect / impact
Auswirkung generally refers to a consequence of an event and can occur immediately or later. Ausläufer, by contrast, specifically refers to the last noticeable effects, when the actual event has already ended. Use Auswirkung for the overall effect and Ausläufer for its gradual tail end.
Eine Woche nach dem Streik sind in einigen Betrieben noch seine Ausläufer spürbar.
A week after the strike, some businesses can still feel its aftereffects.
Die Auswirkungen des Streiks sind in vielen Betrieben deutlich spürbar.
The effects of the strike are clearly noticeable in many businesses.
