01
ausreichen
to suffice
To be available in sufficient quantity or quality; to be enough.
example
Ich hoffe, das Essen reicht für alle Gäste aus.
I hope the food will suffice for all the guests.
ausreichen
to suffice
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Meanings
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Ausreichen' is a separable verb. The prefix 'aus' comes at the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Das Geld reicht für den Urlaub nicht aus.
The money is not enough for the vacation.
Sentence structure and use
'Ausreichen' is often used with the preposition 'für' and the accusative to say what something is sufficient for. It can also be combined with an 'um ... zu' construction.
EXAMPLE
Reicht dieser Kuchen für acht Personen aus?
Will this cake suffice for eight people?
Typical subjects
Common subjects used with 'ausreichen' are things whose quantity can be limited, such as 'das Geld' (the money), 'die Zeit' (the time), 'der Platz' (the space), or 'die Vorräte' (the supplies).
EXAMPLE
Die Zeit wird nicht ausreichen, um das ganze Museum zu besuchen.
The time will not suffice to visit the whole museum.
Compare with
ausreichen vs reichen
to hand / to suffice
'reichen' and 'ausreichen' mean almost the same thing here: something is enough or is available in a sufficient amount. 'reichen' is the shorter and very everyday form. 'ausreichen' sounds a bit more precise and sometimes more objective, especially when talking about plans, rules, time, or amounts. Learners can easily confuse the words because both are often possible in the same sentence. The difference is usually in style, not in the basic meaning.
ausreichen
Reicht eine Stunde für den Weg aus?
Is one hour enough for the journey?
reichen
Die Brötchen reichen für die ganze Familie.
The rolls are enough for the whole family.
In real life
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