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
die Auswahl
choice
The act of choosing or the decision for one or more options from a set.
EXAMPLE
Die Auswahl des passenden Geschenks fiel ihm sehr schwer.
Choosing the right gift was very difficult for him.
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
Wahl and Auswahl can both refer to several possibilities. Wahl focuses more on the individual act of choosing or the personal opportunity to choose, while Auswahl usually refers to the concrete range of options or the selection available. Use Wahl for the decision between options and Auswahl for the options themselves.
Auswahl
Das Restaurant bietet eine große Auswahl an Menüs.
The restaurant offers a wide selection of menus.
Wahl
Im Restaurant hatte ich die Wahl zwischen drei Menüs.
At the restaurant, I had a choice between three menus.
In real life
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