selection
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selection
The process of carefully choosing the best examples from a larger group according to certain quality criteria.
Die Universität trifft eine sehr strenge Auslese unter den Bewerbern für das Medizinstudium.
The university makes a very strict selection among applicants for medical studies.
'Die Auslese' (selection) is the noun related to the verb 'auslesen' (to select/pick out). The verb 'lesen' (to read) also used to have the meaning 'to gather' or 'to pick', which can still be seen today in the word 'Weinlese' (grape harvest).
Nur die besten Trauben werden für diesen Wein ausgelesen.
Only the best grapes are selected for this wine.
When referring to the process of selection, the phrase 'eine Auslese treffen' (to make a selection) is often used. The selection itself is frequently described with adjectives such as 'streng' (strict), 'sorgfältig' (careful), or 'hart' (tough).
Der Trainer trifft eine strenge Auslese für die Nationalmannschaft.
The coach makes a strict selection for the national team.
To describe a group of selected things, the structure 'eine Auslese von ...' (a selection of ...) is often used. This emphasizes that they are especially good examples.
Das Museum zeigt eine beeindruckende Auslese von Kunstwerken des 20. Jahrhunderts.
The museum is showing an impressive selection of 20th-century artworks.
In the context of wine, 'Auslese' is not a general description but an official quality level for German and Austrian Prädikat wines. It ranks above 'Kabinett' and 'Spätlese'.
Diese trockene Auslese passt hervorragend zu kräftigem Käse.
This dry Auslese pairs excellently with strong cheese.
In biology, the fixed phrase 'die natürliche Auslese' (natural selection) is used almost exclusively. It refers to a central mechanism of evolutionary theory.
Durch die natürliche Auslese passen sich Arten über Generationen an ihre Umwelt an.
Through natural selection, species adapt to their environment over generations.
selection / choice
'die Auswahl' and 'die Auslese' can both mean that something is selected from a larger group. 'die Auswahl' is neutral and fits many everyday situations, for example with food, clothing, courses, or decisions. 'die Auslese' emphasizes more strongly that the selection is based on quality and that only the best things or people remain. The word often sounds more formal or specialized, for example in breeding, wine, sports, or biology. The words can be confused because both have to do with choosing. If no special quality check is meant, 'Auswahl' is usually more appropriate.
Für das Turnier traf der Trainer eine strenge Auslese der besten Spieler.
For the tournament, the coach made a strict selection of the best players.
In der Bibliothek hilft Lukas seiner Schwester bei der Auswahl eines Buches.
In the library, Lukas helps his sister choose a book.