aussterben
to die out
For an animal or plant species to cease to exist.
EXAMPLE
Die Dinosaurier sind vor etwa 66 Millionen Jahren ausgestorben.
The dinosaurs died out about 66 million years ago.
aussterben
to die out
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Meanings
aussterben
to die out
In a figurative sense: to cease to exist or disappear, for example with professions, traditions, or families.
EXAMPLE
Der Beruf des Schriftsetzers ist durch die Digitalisierung fast ausgestorben.
The profession of typesetter has almost died out because of digitalization.
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Aussterben' (to die out) is a separable verb. The prefix 'aus-' emphasizes the finality and completeness of the death of an entire group and comes at the end in a main clause.
EXAMPLE
Viele alte Handwerksberufe sterben langsam aus.
Many old craft trades are slowly dying out.
Perfect tense with 'sein'
Since 'aussterben' (to die out) describes a change of state, the perfect tense is always formed with the auxiliary verb 'sein' (to be), not with 'haben' (to have). A common mistake is using 'haben'.
EXAMPLE
Diese seltene Vogelart ist leider vor 50 Jahren ausgestorben.
Unfortunately, this rare bird species died out 50 years ago.
Figurative meaning
In addition to animal and plant species, 'aussterben' (to die out) is often used figuratively for things that become rare or disappear. Typical examples are professions, traditions, customs, or family names.
EXAMPLE
Manche glauben, dass das gedruckte Buch bald aussterben wird.
Some people believe that the printed book will soon die out.
Compare with
aussterben vs sterben
to die
Sterben refers to the end of the life of an individual person, animal, or plant. Aussterben, by contrast, means that an entire animal or plant species ceases to exist. Therefore, sterben is used for an individual living being, while aussterben is used for the species as a whole.
aussterben
Ohne Schutz kann diese seltene Tierart aussterben.
Without protection, this rare animal species could die out.
sterben
Ohne Schutz kann dieses seltene Tier sterben.
Without protection, this rare animal could die.
In real life
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