01
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
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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 zeigen
to show
'zeigen' and 'ausstellen' both have to do with making something visible to others. 'zeigen' is very general: you can show someone a photo, a route, or a new phone. 'ausstellen' is used when objects are presented publicly, for example works of art in a museum or goods at a trade fair. So 'ausstellen' is more appropriate for an organized presentation for many people, while 'zeigen' also sounds natural in small everyday situations.
ausstellen
Im Stadtmuseum stellen junge Künstler ihre Bilder aus.
Young artists are exhibiting their paintings in the city museum.
zeigen
Kannst du mir bitte den Weg zur Bibliothek zeigen?
Could you please show me the way to the library?
In real life
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