to utilize fully / to keep busy
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to utilize fully
To fully use the available capacity of a person, machine, or system.
Die Fabrik ist mit den aktuellen Aufträgen für die nächsten sechs Monate voll ausgelastet.
The factory is fully utilized with the current orders for the next six months.
to keep oneself busy
To challenge oneself through physical or mental activities in such a way that one uses up one's energy and feels satisfied.
Wenn der Hund sich nicht richtig auslasten kann, fängt er an, die Möbel zu zerstören.
If the dog can't keep itself properly occupied, it starts destroying the furniture.
'Auslasten' (to utilize fully / to keep busy) is a separable verb. The prefix 'aus-' comes at the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
Diese eine Aufgabe lastet mich für den ganzen Tag aus.
This one task keeps me busy for the whole day.
The verb is made up of 'aus' and 'lasten'. 'Die Last' means 'die Belastung' (the strain/burden) or 'das Gewicht' (the weight). So 'auslasten' means to fully use the capacity of a workload or system.
Das Hotel ist über die Feiertage komplett ausgelastet.
The hotel is completely booked up over the holidays.
Very often, the past participle 'ausgelastet' is used as an adjective with the verb 'sein' (to be). It then describes the state in which capacity is fully used.
Unsere Produktionslinien sind zu 100 Prozent ausgelastet.
Our production lines are operating at 100 percent capacity.
In this meaning, the verb must be used reflexively with 'sich'. It describes that a person or animal needs enough physical or mental activity in order to feel satisfied.
Nach einem langen Tag im Büro muss ich mich abends beim Sport auslasten.
After a long day at the office, I need to burn off energy with sports in the evening.
to exploit / make the most of
Ausnutzen and auslasten can both express making full use of something. Auslasten refers more specifically to the available capacity of a machine or system; ausnutzen generally emphasizes using a resource fully and effectively.
Mit zusätzlichen Aufträgen lasten wir die verfügbare Kapazität der Maschine vollständig aus.
With additional orders, we fully utilize the machine’s available capacity.
Mit einer guten Planung nutzen wir die verfügbare Maschinenzeit vollständig aus.
With good planning, we make full use of the available machine time.
