to draw lots
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to draw lots
To make a decision, select someone, or distribute something through a random procedure, for example by drawing lots or names.
Die Startreihenfolge der Teilnehmer wird direkt vor dem Wettbewerb ausgelost.
The starting order of the participants will be drawn by lot right before the competition.
'Auslosen' (to draw lots) is a separable verb. In a main clause, the prefix 'aus' comes at the end, while in a subordinate clause it stays attached to the verb. In the infinitive with 'zu', 'zu' comes between the prefix and the verb.
Wir losen den Gewinner morgen aus.
We will draw the winner by lot tomorrow.
The verb is made up of the prefix 'aus-' and the verb 'losen'. 'Losen' comes from 'das Los' (the lot), which is a small object drawn in a lottery. So 'auslosen' (to draw lots) literally means to select something by drawing lots.
Die Gewinner der Tombola wurden per Losverfahren ausgelost.
The winners of the raffle were drawn by lot.
'Auslosen' (to draw lots) is often used to select a person or thing from a group. Typical objects are: a winner, the order, the groups, or the places.
Für das Turnier müssen wir noch die Spielgruppen auslosen.
We still have to draw the playing groups by lot for the tournament.
to pull / move
When selecting something at random, „ziehen“ and „auslosen“ can be related, but they do not mean exactly the same thing. „Ziehen“ usually refers to the specific moment when someone draws a ticket or name. „Auslosen“ refers to the entire random procedure and the selection as its result.
Der Verein loste aus, wer die beiden Eintrittskarten bekam.
The club drew lots to determine who would get the two tickets.
Bei der Verlosung durfte jedes Kind ein Los aus der Schachtel ziehen.
At the raffle, each child was allowed to draw a ticket from the box.
