01
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
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 05
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
'einstellen' and 'auslaufen' can both have to do with the end of a product or offer. 'einstellen' emphasizes the active decision: a company stops or discontinues production or sales. 'auslaufen' sounds more as if a product is ending gradually or after a transition period. Often there is still remaining stock, but nothing new is being added. So you would more likely say 'Die Firma stellt die Produktion ein' (the company is discontinuing production), but 'Das Modell läuft aus' (the model is being phased out) when it is slowly disappearing from the market.
auslaufen
Nach dem Sommer läuft dieses Handy-Modell aus.
This phone model will be phased out after the summer.
einstellen
Der Hersteller stellt die Produktion des alten Fahrrads ein.
The manufacturer is discontinuing production of the old bicycle.
In real life
Loading video examples...