der Auslöser
trigger
The immediate cause or reason that sets an event, action, or reaction in motion.
EXAMPLE
Der Auslöser für den Streit war eine unbedachte Bemerkung.
The trigger for the argument was a careless remark.
der Auslöser
trigger
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
der Auslöser
shutter button
The button on a camera that you press to take a photo.
EXAMPLE
Warte auf den perfekten Moment und drücke dann den Auslöser.
Wait for the perfect moment and then press the shutter button.
der Auslöser
trigger mechanism
A technical mechanism that starts a process, for example in a trap or an alarm.
EXAMPLE
Die Mausefalle funktionierte nicht, weil der Auslöser klemmte.
The mousetrap didn't work because the trigger mechanism was stuck.
Usage tips
Word family
'Der Auslöser' (the trigger) is the noun derived from the verb 'auslösen' (to trigger/to cause). The ending '-er' here refers to the thing or mechanism that triggers something.
EXAMPLE
Ein lauter Knall löste den Alarm aus.
A loud bang set off the alarm.
Context clue
The context helps you recognize the meaning. In connection with cameras and photography, it means the button. With conflicts or events, it means the cause. With technical devices such as traps or alarms, it is a mechanism.
EXAMPLE
Der Auslöser der Kamera klemmt.
The camera's shutter button is stuck.
Sentence structure and use
In the meaning 'Ursache' (cause), 'Auslöser' (trigger) is very often used with the preposition 'für' (for) and the accusative. The pattern is: der Auslöser für etwas sein (to be the trigger for something).
EXAMPLE
Stress kann ein Auslöser für viele Krankheiten sein.
Stress can be a trigger for many illnesses.
Typical collocation
In the context of photography, the fixed combination 'den Auslöser drücken' (to press the shutter button) is very common. It means to take a photo.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe im richtigen Moment den Auslöser gedrückt.
I pressed the shutter button at the right moment.
Compare with
Auslöser vs Anlass
reason / occasion
Anlass and Auslöser can both refer to something that sets an action or reaction in motion. Anlass tends to emphasize the specific external reason, while Auslöser emphasizes the factor that directly starts it. Choose Auslöser when the immediate beginning is especially important.
Auslöser
Eine neue Beschwerde war der Auslöser für das sofortige Treffen.
A new complaint was the trigger for the immediate meeting.
Anlass
Die Beschwerde der Nachbarn war der Anlass für das Treffen.
The neighbors’ complaint was the reason for the meeting.
In real life
Loading video examples...