01
die Auswahl
selection
The range or set of things or people that one can choose from.
example
Der Supermarkt bietet eine riesige Auswahl an frischem Obst.
The supermarket offers a huge selection of fresh fruit.
die Auswahl
selection / choice
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The noun 'die Auswahl' (selection/choice) belongs to the verb 'auswählen' (to select/choose). It therefore describes the result or the process of choosing. Its components are 'aus' (out) and 'die Wahl' (the choice).
EXAMPLE
Wir müssen aus diesen drei Kandidaten den besten auswählen.
We have to choose the best one from these three candidates.
Correct preposition
When you want to describe what the selection consists of, you use the preposition 'an' followed by the dative. This structure is very common.
EXAMPLE
Das Geschäft hat eine große Auswahl an Käsesorten.
The shop has a large selection of cheeses.
Typical adjectives
To describe the range, 'Auswahl' (selection) is often combined with adjectives such as 'groß' (large), 'riesig' (huge), 'klein' (small), 'begrenzt' (limited), or 'breit' (broad).
EXAMPLE
Leider gibt es hier nur eine begrenzte Auswahl an vegetarischen Gerichten.
Unfortunately, there is only a limited selection of vegetarian dishes here.
Fixed expression
When it comes to the act of choosing, the fixed phrase 'eine Auswahl treffen' (to make a selection) is very common. It means to make a decision.
EXAMPLE
Bei so vielen guten Optionen ist es schwer, eine Auswahl zu treffen.
With so many good options, it is hard to make a selection.
Compare with
Auswahl vs Wahl
choice / election
'die Wahl' and 'die Auswahl' both have to do with several possibilities. 'die Wahl' tends to emphasize the decision itself: you have to decide on one possibility. 'die Auswahl' often means the set of things or people you can choose from. However, it can also mean the act of choosing. Learners can easily confuse the words because both fit with 'wählen' (to choose / vote). A practical guide: for the question 'Was nehme ich?' (What should I take?), 'die Wahl' often fits. For the question 'Was gibt es alles?' (What is available?), 'die Auswahl' usually fits.
Auswahl
In diesem Restaurant ist die Auswahl an vegetarischen Gerichten sehr groß.
This restaurant has a very large selection of vegetarian dishes.
Wahl
Nach langem Überlegen fiel mir die Wahl nicht leicht.
After thinking it over for a long time, the choice was not easy for me.
In real life
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