auslösen
to trigger
To be the reason or cause that something starts or happens; to set something in motion.
EXAMPLE
Der laute Knall hat den Feueralarm ausgelöst.
The loud bang triggered the fire alarm.
auslösen
to trigger / release
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Meanings
auslösen
to trigger
To cause a particular emotional reaction or feeling in someone.
EXAMPLE
Die Nachricht von seinem Erfolg löste große Freude bei der Familie aus.
The news of his success triggered great joy in the family.
auslösen
to release
To deliberately activate a mechanism, such as a camera shutter or a trap.
EXAMPLE
Er drückte auf den Knopf, um den Selbstauslöser der Kamera auszulösen.
He pressed the button to release the camera's self-timer.
auslösen
to ransom / redeem
To free someone or something through a payment, for example a prisoner or a pledged item.
EXAMPLE
Im Mittelalter musste man oft Gefangene gegen ein Lösegeld aus der Haft auslösen.
In the Middle Ages, prisoners often had to be ransomed from captivity with a ransom payment.
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Auslösen' (to trigger / release) is a separable verb. The prefix 'aus' is placed at the end of the sentence in a main clause. In subordinate clauses, the entire verb form stands at the end.
EXAMPLE
Ein kleiner Funke löste das Feuer aus.
A small spark triggered the fire.
Word structure
The verb is made up of the prefix 'aus-' and the verb 'lösen' (to loosen / solve). The prefix 'aus-' indicates here that something begins or is set in motion out of a resting state.
EXAMPLE
Die falsche Bewegung löste die Alarmanlage aus.
The wrong movement triggered the alarm system.
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'etwas in Gang setzen' (to set something in motion), 'auslösen' (to trigger) is often combined with events or processes. Typical objects are: an alarm, a debate, a crisis, or a chain reaction.
EXAMPLE
Der politische Skandal löste eine landesweite Debatte aus.
The political scandal triggered a nationwide debate.
Triggering feelings
When feelings are caused, the affected person is often named with the preposition 'bei' and the dative. The structure is: something triggers a feeling in someone.
EXAMPLE
Der Film löste bei den Zuschauern großes Mitgefühl aus.
The film triggered great sympathy among the viewers.
Technical context
This meaning is typical for technical devices. It is used, for example, for cameras, flashes, traps, or other mechanisms that are activated.
EXAMPLE
Drücken Sie hier, um den Blitz der Kamera auszulösen.
Press here to release the camera flash.
Compare with
sorgenverursachenerzeugeneinleitenweckenaktivierenbewirkenveranlassenerregenprovoziereninitiierenhervorrufenzündenbetätigeneinlösenentfachenherbeiführenabdrückentriggern
auslösen vs sorgen
to take care / worry
Sorgen für and auslösen can both describe an event leading to a consequence. Auslösen emphasizes the specific trigger that causes something to begin or get underway, while sorgen für more generally highlights the resulting outcome. Both words can be appropriate for the same cause.
auslösen
Die neue Regelung löste bei den Bürgern eine Diskussion aus.
The new regulation triggered a discussion among citizens.
sorgen
Die neue Regelung sorgte für viele Beschwerden bei den Bürgern.
The new regulation led to many complaints from citizens.
In real life
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