ausstehen
to be pending
To not yet be completed, delivered, or paid; to be delayed. Often refers to a reply, a decision, or a payment.
EXAMPLE
Die Bestätigung für den Auftrag steht immer noch aus.
The confirmation for the order is still pending.
ausstehen
to be pending / to endure
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Meanings
nicht ausstehen können
can't stand
To absolutely dislike someone or something or be unable to tolerate them.
EXAMPLE
Ich kann seine arrogante Art einfach nicht ausstehen.
I simply can't stand his arrogant manner.
ausstehen
to endure
To have to bear or go through something very unpleasant or difficult.
EXAMPLE
Nach der Operation musste sie große Schmerzen ausstehen.
After the operation, she had to endure severe pain.
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Ausstehen' is a separable verb. In a main clause, the prefix 'aus' stands at the end of the sentence. In subordinate clauses or in the infinitive, the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Eine Antwort vom Unternehmen steht noch aus.
A reply from the company is still pending.
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning from the sentence structure. If the verb stands alone, it is often about something that is missing (e.g. a reply). The expression 'nicht ausstehen können' (can't stand) expresses dislike. With an object like 'Schmerzen' (pain), it means 'ertragen' (to endure).
EXAMPLE
Die Lieferung steht seit letzter Woche aus.
The delivery has been pending since last week.
Fixed expression
The meaning 'not to like' is used almost exclusively in the fixed expression 'jemanden/etwas nicht ausstehen können' (to be unable to stand someone/something). The verb 'können' (can) is necessary here.
EXAMPLE
Seit dem Streit kann er seinen Kollegen nicht mehr ausstehen.
Since the argument, he can no longer stand his colleague.
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'not yet completed', 'ausstehen' (to be pending) is often used with impersonal things. Typical examples are: a reply, a payment, a decision, or a verdict is pending.
EXAMPLE
Die Zahlung der Miete für diesen Monat steht noch aus.
The rent payment for this month is still pending.
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'ertragen' (to endure), the verb is combined with very negative experiences. Typical objects are: pain, torment, or fears.
EXAMPLE
Während ihrer Krankheit musste sie schreckliche Schmerzen ausstehen.
During her illness, she had to endure terrible pain.
Compare with
ausstehen vs anstehen
to queue / be coming up
For a payment, „anstehen“ means that it will be due soon or is supposed to be made next. „Ausstehen“ refers instead to a payment that is already expected but has not yet been made and therefore remains outstanding.
ausstehen
Die Rate für das Auto vom letzten Monat steht noch aus.
Last month's car payment is still outstanding.
anstehen
Morgen steht die nächste Rate für das Auto an.
The next car payment is due tomorrow.
In real life
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