to borrow / lend
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to borrow something
To take something from someone or an institution, such as a library, for a limited time with the intention of returning it later.
Ich habe mir für den Urlaub drei Bücher aus der Bibliothek ausgeliehen.
I borrowed three books from the library for the vacation.
'Ausleihen' (to borrow/lend) is a separable verb. The prefix 'aus-' is placed at the end of the sentence in a main clause. In subordinate clauses and infinitive constructions, the verb stays together.
Ich leihe mir oft Bücher aus.
I often borrow books.
The verb 'ausleihen' (to borrow/lend) can mean both: taking something or giving something. The sentence structure decides: 'sich etwas ausleihen' means that you borrow something yourself. 'Jemandem etwas ausleihen' means that you lend something to another person.
Ich leihe mir ein Buch aus der Bibliothek aus.
I borrow a book from the library.
Pay attention to the dative object to understand the direction of the action. The person receiving the item is always in the dative. This can be a reflexive pronoun ('sich') or another person ('meinem Freund').
Er leiht sich ein Werkzeug aus.
He borrows a tool.
'Ausleihen' (to borrow/lend) is often used for everyday objects or media. Typical objects are: 'ein Buch' (a book), 'einen Film' (a film), 'ein Auto' (a car), 'Geld' (money), or 'Werkzeug' (tools).
Für die Party habe ich mir Geld von meinem Bruder ausgeliehen.
I borrowed money from my brother for the party.
to leave / to entrust
'überlassen' and 'ausleihen' can both mean that an object is with another person for a while. 'ausleihen' is more precise when it is clear that the object will be returned later. It can go in two directions: 'Ich leihe mir ein Buch aus' (I borrow a book), or 'ich leihe dir ein Buch aus' (I lend you a book). 'überlassen' is more general and can also mean that you give something to someone completely or give up control over it. Learners may confuse the words because in both cases someone is allowed to use something. For a clear borrowing/lending situation, 'ausleihen' is more natural; for a freer or final giving, 'überlassen' fits better.
Für die Prüfung leiht sich Mehmet in der Bibliothek ein Grammatikbuch aus.
For the exam, Mehmet borrows a grammar book from the library.
Sie überlässt ihrem Bruder den Parkplatz, weil sie heute mit dem Zug fährt.
She lets her brother have the parking space because she is taking the train today.