auslöschen
to extinguish
To make something that is burning or shining go out.
EXAMPLE
Die Feuerwehr konnte das Feuer schnell auslöschen.
The fire department was able to extinguish the fire quickly.
auslöschen
to extinguish / wipe out / erase
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Meanings
auslöschen
to wipe out
To completely destroy something or someone so that it no longer exists.
EXAMPLE
Der Diktator versuchte, die Erinnerung an seine Vorgänger auszulöschen.
The dictator tried to wipe out the memory of his predecessors.
auslöschen
to erase
To permanently remove stored information or data.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe versehentlich alle Fotos auf der Speicherkarte ausgelöscht.
I accidentally erased all the photos on the memory card.
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Auslöschen' (to extinguish / wipe out / erase) is a separable verb. The prefix 'aus-' comes at the end in a main clause, stays attached to the verb in a subordinate clause, and in the infinitive with 'zu', 'zu' comes between the prefix and the verb.
EXAMPLE
Er löschte die Kerze mit einem Lufthauch aus.
He extinguished the candle with a puff of air.
Word structure
The verb consists of the prefix 'aus-' and the verb 'löschen' (to delete / to extinguish). The prefix 'aus-' here means that something is completely ended or removed, as in 'ausverkaufen' (to sell out) or 'austrinken' (to drink up).
EXAMPLE
Bitte lösche das Licht im Flur aus.
Please turn off the light in the hallway.
Context clue
The context makes clear which meaning is intended. If people are talking about fire or light, it is about ending the burning or shining. With abstract things like memories or peoples, it is about destruction. In a digital context, data or files are meant.
EXAMPLE
Der Hausmeister löschte die Beleuchtung im ganzen Gebäude aus.
The caretaker turned off the lighting throughout the building.
Strong meaning
In the meaning of 'vernichten' (to destroy), 'auslöschen' (to wipe out) is a very strong and often negative word. It is frequently used in connection with violence, history, or deep emotional processes.
EXAMPLE
Der Krieg hat ganze Generationen ausgelöscht.
The war wiped out entire generations.
Typical collocations
In a digital context, 'auslöschen' (to erase) is often used with objects such as 'Daten' (data), 'Dateien' (files), 'ein Konto' (an account), or 'die Festplatte' (the hard drive).
EXAMPLE
Bist du sicher, dass du dein Profil endgültig auslöschen möchtest?
Are you sure you want to permanently erase your profile?
Compare with
auslöschen vs löschen
to extinguish / delete
Löschen is the general word for removing stored data. Auslöschen places greater emphasis on the data being removed permanently and completely. Löschen is usually appropriate for a normal file operation; auslöschen is suitable when the finality is to be emphasized.
auslöschen
Tom löscht die vertraulichen Daten dauerhaft vom Speicher aus.
Tom permanently erases the confidential data from the storage device.
löschen
Tom löscht die alte Datei aus seinem Ordner.
Tom deletes the old file from his folder.
In real life
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