ausstellen
to exhibit
To publicly display objects, especially works of art or goods.
EXAMPLE
Das Museum stellt derzeit Werke von jungen Künstlerinnen aus.
The museum is currently exhibiting works by young female artists.
ausstellen
to exhibit / issue / turn off
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Meanings
ausstellen
to issue
To prepare and hand over an official document, such as a certificate, an invoice, or a passport.
EXAMPLE
Der Arzt hat mir ein Attest für die Arbeit ausgestellt.
The doctor issued me a medical certificate for work.
ausstellen
to turn off
To switch off a device or machine.
EXAMPLE
Kannst du bitte den Motor ausstellen, wenn du wartest?
Could you please turn off the engine while you're waiting?
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Ausstellen' is a separable verb. The prefix 'aus-' goes at the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Die Künstlerin stellt ihre neuen Bilder aus.
The artist is exhibiting her new paintings.
Context clues
You can recognize the meaning of 'ausstellen' from the object. If it's about art or goods, it means 'zeigen' (to show/display). With documents, it means 'anfertigen' (to prepare/issue). With devices, it means 'ausschalten' (to switch off).
EXAMPLE
Die Galerie stellt moderne Kunst aus.
The gallery is exhibiting modern art.
Typical collocations
In the context of 'zeigen' (to show/display), 'ausstellen' is often combined with places such as 'in einer Galerie' (in a gallery), 'im Museum' (in the museum), or 'im Schaufenster' (in the shop window). Typical objects are works of art, photos, or products.
EXAMPLE
Das Technikmuseum stellt historische Computer aus.
The technology museum is exhibiting historic computers.
Typical documents
When it comes to preparing documents, typical combinations are: 'ein Rezept ausstellen' (to issue a prescription), 'eine Rechnung ausstellen' (to issue an invoice), 'ein Zeugnis ausstellen' (to issue a certificate/report), or 'ein Visum ausstellen' (to issue a visa).
EXAMPLE
Die Firma muss die Rechnung innerhalb von 14 Tagen ausstellen.
The company must issue the invoice within 14 days.
Typical devices
In the meaning of 'ausschalten' (to switch off), 'ausstellen' is used mainly for engines, machines, or technical devices.
EXAMPLE
Der Fahrer stellte den Motor an der Ampel aus.
The driver turned off the engine at the traffic light.
Compare with
ausstellen vs erteilen
to issue / grant / teach
When dealing with official authorization, erteilen and ausstellen can occur together, but they refer to different things. The authority grants the permission, while it issues and hands over the document. Use erteilen for the authorization and ausstellen for the written proof.
ausstellen
Die Behörde stellte ihr das Dokument über die Erlaubnis aus.
The authority issued her the document confirming the permission.
erteilen
Die Behörde erteilte ihr die Erlaubnis für den Umbau.
The authority granted her permission to remodel the building.
In real life
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