to let off steam / to rage
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to let off steam
To release pent-up energy through wild playing, running, and loud behavior. Usually used for children or young animals.
Lass die Kinder im Garten sich austoben, bevor es Abendessen gibt.
Let the children let off steam in the garden before dinner.
'Austoben' is a separable verb. The prefix 'aus' stands at the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses or in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
Die Kinder tobten sich auf dem Spielplatz richtig aus.
The children really let off steam on the playground.
The verb consists of the prefix 'aus-' and the verb 'toben' (to be wild, to rage). The prefix 'aus-' intensifies the meaning and expresses that the action is carried out completely or to the end.
Lass die Kinder im Garten toben, bis sie sich ausgetobt haben.
Let the children romp around in the garden until they have let off steam.
When people or animals release their energy, the verb is used reflexively: 'sich austoben' (to let off steam). The reflexive pronoun (sich, mich, dich, etc.) is necessary here.
Nach der langen Autofahrt mussten die Hunde sich erstmal austoben.
After the long car ride, the dogs first had to let off steam.
The subject of the sentence tells you the exact meaning. 'Kinder' (children) or 'Tiere' (animals) physically let off steam. 'Künstler' (artists) or 'Kreative' (creative people) let loose in a figurative sense. 'Sturm' (storm) or 'Gewitter' (thunderstorm) refer to forces of nature.
Als Designerin kann sie sich bei diesem Projekt kreativ austoben.
As a designer, she can creatively let loose on this project.
to romp / rage
'toben' and 'sich austoben' both have to do with wild movement, noise, or strong energy. 'toben' simply describes someone or something being wild, loud, or intense. Children can 'im Garten toben' (romp around in the garden), and a storm can 'draußen toben' (rage outside). 'sich austoben' additionally means that someone releases their energy and is calmer afterward. It is often used reflexively: 'sich austoben'. Learners may confuse the words because both fit with children and forces of nature. The difference is: 'toben' describes the wild behavior; 'sich austoben' emphasizes that the energy is allowed to come out and is reduced.
Nach der langen Autofahrt konnten sich die Kinder auf dem Spielplatz austoben.
After the long car ride, the children were able to let off steam at the playground.
Die Kinder toben im Garten, während die Eltern das Essen vorbereiten.
The children are romping around in the garden while their parents prepare the food.