01
ausschlagen
to turn down
To reject or refuse an offer, request, or invitation.
example
Sie hat das Jobangebot ausgeschlagen, weil das Gehalt zu niedrig war.
She turned down the job offer because the salary was too low.
ausschlagen
to turn down / to kick out / to sprout
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Separable verb
'Ausschlagen' (to turn down / kick out / sprout) is a separable verb. In a main clause, the prefix 'aus' comes at the end; in a subordinate clause, the verb stays together; and in the infinitive with 'zu', 'zu' comes between 'aus' and 'schlagen'.
EXAMPLE
Das Pferd schlug plötzlich aus.
The horse suddenly kicked out.
Word structure
The verb consists of the prefix 'aus-' and the verb 'schlagen' (to hit/strike). The basic meaning of 'schlagen' (to make a quick, forceful movement) is directed in different ways by 'aus-' (out, outward).
EXAMPLE
Im Frühling schlagen die Bäume wieder aus.
In spring, the trees sprout again.
Dative construction
When someone knocks something out of their own body (e.g. a tooth), a reflexive construction with the dative is used. The person to whom something happens is in the dative.
EXAMPLE
Er hat sich beim Sturz einen Zahn ausgeschlagen.
He knocked out a tooth in the fall.
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'ablehnen' (to reject/turn down), 'ausschlagen' (to turn down) is often combined with things that are offered to you. Typical are: 'ein Angebot' (an offer), 'eine Einladung' (an invitation), 'eine Warnung' (a warning), or 'ein Erbe ausschlagen' (to disclaim/turn down an inheritance).
EXAMPLE
Er hat die Warnungen seiner Freunde einfach ausgeschlagen.
He simply ignored his friends' warnings.
Context clue
You can recognize this meaning from the context of measuring devices. Words like 'Zeiger' (needle/pointer), 'Skala' (scale), 'Messgerät' (measuring device), or names of devices, e.g. 'EKG' (ECG) or 'Seismograph' (seismograph), clearly point to this usage.
EXAMPLE
Der Geigerzähler schlug in der Nähe des alten Labors aus.
The Geiger counter deflected near the old laboratory.
Use with skin
When 'ausschlagen' is used in connection with the body, it usually describes the sudden appearance of a skin rash. Here the verb is used without an object.
EXAMPLE
Meine Haut schlägt bei dieser Seife immer aus.
My skin always breaks out from this soap.
Context clue
In this meaning, 'ausschlagen' (to kick out) is used almost exclusively for animals that kick with their hind legs. So the context is always an animal, usually a horse, donkey, or mule.
EXAMPLE
Der Esel schlug aus, als der Hund zu nahe kam.
The donkey kicked out when the dog came too close.
Context clue
This meaning is typical of botany and nature. When the context is plants, trees, or buds growing in spring, this verb is appropriate.
EXAMPLE
Die Knospen an den Zweigen beginnen auszuschlagen.
The buds on the branches are beginning to sprout.
Compare with
ausschlagen vs treten
to step / kick
'treten' and 'ausschlagen' can both describe a movement with the foot or leg. 'treten' is the general word: a person or animal kicks against something or someone with their foot. 'ausschlagen' is more specific and is used here mainly for animals, especially horses. It means a sudden, forceful movement with the hind legs. For people, you normally say 'treten'. For a horse or another animal, 'ausschlagen' sounds more precise when the movement is sudden and dangerous.
ausschlagen
Auf dem Hof schlug das Pferd plötzlich aus, als ein Hund zu nah kam.
In the yard, the horse suddenly kicked out when a dog came too close.
treten
Beim Fußball trat Paul aus Versehen gegen das Bein seines Freundes.
During soccer, Paul accidentally kicked his friend's leg.
In real life
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