Describes something that will soon no longer be available or valid, such as a product, model, or contract.
example
Dieses Smartphone-Modell ist auslaufend und wird nicht mehr produziert.
This smartphone model is being discontinued and is no longer being produced.
Usage tips
Participle as adjective
'Auslaufend' is the present participle of the separable verb 'auslaufen' (to run out/leak/leave port). All meanings of the adjective derive from the meanings of the verb: a product 'läuft aus' (is being discontinued), liquid 'läuft aus' (leaks), or a ship 'läuft aus' dem Hafen aus (leaves the harbor).
EXAMPLE
Achtung, dein Stift läuft aus!
Careful, your pen is leaking!
Context clues
The context makes the meaning clear. With products, contracts, or models, it is about the end of availability. With liquids and containers, a leak is meant. With ships and harbors, it is about departure.
EXAMPLE
Der auslaufende Joghurt hat eine Sauerei im Kühlschrank verursacht.
The leaking yogurt made a mess in the refrigerator.
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'soon no longer available', the adjective is often combined with words from commerce and business. Typical phrases are 'ein auslaufendes Modell' (a discontinued model), 'ein auslaufender Vertrag' (an expiring contract), or 'eine auslaufende Produktlinie' (a discontinued product line).
EXAMPLE
Die Produktion dieser Automarke ist auslaufend.
Production of this car brand is being discontinued.
Use with liquids
When it is about liquids, 'auslaufend' (leaking) describes the process of unwanted escaping. Common nouns are 'auslaufende Milch' (leaking milk), 'auslaufendes Öl' (leaking oil), or also 'eine auslaufende Batterie' (a leaking battery), when battery acid is escaping.
EXAMPLE
Der Mechaniker bemerkte das auslaufende Öl unter dem Auto.
The mechanic noticed the leaking oil under the car.
Compare with
near_synonym · confusable
auslaufend vs eingestellt
set / hired
'eingestellt' and 'auslaufend' can both occur with products, models, services, or contracts that will not continue permanently. The important difference is time. 'Eingestellt' means: it is no longer being continued or produced. 'Auslaufend' means: it is still running, but soon it will no longer be available or valid. The words can be confused because both point to an end. If something has already been stopped, 'eingestellt' fits. If it continues for one final period, 'auslaufend' fits.
auslaufend
Der Vertrag ist auslaufend, deshalb sucht die Firma schon nach einer neuen Lösung.
The contract is expiring, so the company is already looking for a new solution.
eingestellt
Die Produktion dieses alten Druckers ist eingestellt.
Production of this old printer has been discontinued.