auslaufen
to leak
When a liquid unintentionally flows or drips out of a container.
EXAMPLE
Die Batterie in der Fernbedienung ist ausgelaufen.
The battery in the remote control has leaked.
auslaufen
to leak / expire
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Meanings
auslaufen
to expire
To reach the end of the validity of a contract, deadline, or offer.
EXAMPLE
Mein Handyvertrag läuft nächsten Monat aus.
My mobile phone contract expires next month.
auslaufen
to set sail
When a ship leaves a port and heads out to the open sea.
EXAMPLE
Die Fähre nach Schweden läuft um 22:00 Uhr aus.
The ferry to Sweden sets sail at 10:00 p.m.
auslaufen
to cool down
After physical exertion, to slowly reduce the intensity, for example by walking or jogging lightly, in order to cool the body down.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem 10-Kilometer-Lauf müssen sich die Teilnehmer gut auslaufen.
After the 10-kilometer run, the participants need to cool down properly.
auslaufen
to be phased out
The production or sale of a particular product is discontinued.
EXAMPLE
Dieses Automodell läuft aus und wird durch einen Nachfolger ersetzt.
This car model is being phased out and will be replaced by a successor.
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Auslaufen' (to leak / expire) is a separable verb with the prefix 'aus-'. In a main clause, 'aus' goes at the end. The prefix often has the meaning of 'heraus' (out) for liquids or 'zu Ende gehen' (to come to an end) for a contract or product.
EXAMPLE
Vorsicht, die Milch läuft aus!
Careful, the milk is leaking!
Perfect tense with 'sein'
The perfect tense of 'auslaufen' (to leak / expire) is always formed with the auxiliary verb 'sein', because it describes a movement or a change of state. So it is always 'ist ausgelaufen'.
EXAMPLE
Der Joghurt ist in meiner Tasche ausgelaufen.
The yogurt leaked in my bag.
Context clue: liquid
In this meaning, the subject is always a liquid (milk, oil, water) or a container that contains a liquid (bottle, battery, pen).
EXAMPLE
Der Füller ist ausgelaufen und hat einen großen Fleck auf dem Hemd hinterlassen.
The fountain pen leaked and left a large stain on the shirt.
Context clue: deadline
When 'auslaufen' means 'enden' (to end), the subject is something with a limited period of validity. Typical subjects are: a contract, a deadline, an offer, a passport, or a visa.
EXAMPLE
Die Garantie für das Gerät ist vor einem Monat ausgelaufen.
The warranty for the device expired a month ago.
Context clue: port
This meaning is limited to shipping. The subject is always a watercraft such as a ship, ferry, or boat. The port from which it sets sail is often mentioned as well.
EXAMPLE
Das große Kreuzfahrtschiff ist pünktlich aus dem Hafen ausgelaufen.
The large cruise ship set sail from the port on time.
Context clue: sports
In a sports context, 'auslaufen' (to cool down) means slowly ending a training session. It can also be used reflexively: 'sich auslaufen'.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem intensiven Training sind die Spieler noch zehn Minuten locker ausgelaufen.
After the intense training session, the players cooled down with ten more minutes of light jogging.
Context clue: product
When it comes to products, 'auslaufen' (to be phased out) means that production or sale is being discontinued. The subject is then often a model, a series, or a specific item.
EXAMPLE
Die Produktion dieses Handymodells läuft zum Jahresende aus.
Production of this mobile phone model will be phased out at the end of the year.
Compare with
auslaufen vs einstellen
to hire / adjust / stop
When referring to a product, both verbs can express the end of production or sales. „Einstellen“ generally refers more to the active decision to end production or sales, while „auslaufen“ usually describes a gradual or planned end. „Einstellen“ is appropriate for an immediate stop, while „auslaufen“ is appropriate for an end taking place over several months.
auslaufen
Die Produktion des Modells läuft nach dem letzten Auftrag schrittweise aus.
Production of the model is being phased out gradually after the last order.
einstellen
Der Hersteller stellt die Produktion des Modells sofort ein.
The manufacturer is immediately discontinuing production of the model.
In real life
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