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 select
'auswählen' and 'auslosen' both have to do with a decision between several possibilities. The important difference is: with 'auswählen', someone decides deliberately, for example based on preference, quality, or need. With 'auslosen', chance decides, for example through lots, names, or a random draw. Learners may confuse the words because in both cases, a person or thing is determined in the end. Memory tip: 'auswählen' is a deliberate choice; 'auslosen' is a random choice.
Die Lehrerin lost aus, wer zuerst präsentieren darf.
The teacher draws lots to decide who may present first.
Beim Arzt wähle ich einen Termin am frühen Morgen aus.
At the doctor's office, I select an appointment early in the morning.