01
ausüben
to exercise
To carry out an activity, profession, or function regularly or officially.
example
Sie übt den Beruf der Anwältin seit zehn Jahren aus.
She has exercised the profession of lawyer for ten years.
ausüben
to exercise / practice
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Separable verb
'Ausüben' (to exercise/practice) is a separable verb. The prefix 'aus-' comes at the end in a main clause. In the infinitive with 'zu', 'zu' comes between the prefix and the verb.
EXAMPLE
Er übt seinen Beruf mit großer Leidenschaft aus.
He exercises his profession with great passion.
Register
The verb 'ausüben' (to exercise/practice) belongs to more formal language. It is often used in official, professional, or written contexts.
EXAMPLE
Der Präsident übt sein Amt gemäß der Verfassung aus.
The president exercises his office in accordance with the constitution.
Typical collocations
In this meaning, 'ausüben' (to exercise) is combined with professions or official activities. Common objects are 'einen Beruf' (a profession), 'ein Amt' (an office), 'eine Funktion' (a function), or 'eine Tätigkeit' (an activity).
EXAMPLE
Sie wollte schon immer eine leitende Funktion ausüben.
She had always wanted to exercise a leadership function.
Sentence structure with 'auf'
When you exert influence or pressure on someone or something, the preposition 'auf' is used with the accusative. The object is often an abstract noun such as 'Druck' (pressure), 'Macht' (power), or 'Einfluss' (influence).
EXAMPLE
Die Eltern üben Druck auf ihre Kinder aus, gute Noten zu schreiben.
The parents put pressure on their children to get good grades.
Compare with
ausüben vs einsetzen
to insert / to begin / to use
'einsetzen' and 'ausüben' can both mean that something is actively used or made effective. 'einsetzen' is used more for people, means, or abilities that are used for a specific goal. 'ausüben' fits more with professions, functions, power, influence, or pressure. Learners may confuse the words because both sound like activity. A simple guideline is: you 'setzt Mittel oder Personen ein' (use means or people), but you 'übt einen Beruf, eine Funktion oder Einfluss aus' (practice a profession, perform a function, or exert influence).
ausüben
Ben übt seit zwei Jahren den Beruf des Krankenpflegers aus.
Ben has been working as a nurse for two years.
einsetzen
Die Firma setzt zusätzliche Mitarbeiter ein, weil viele Bestellungen gekommen sind.
The company is using additional employees because many orders have come in.
In real life
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