to dodge / avoid
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to dodge
To make a quick movement to the side in order to avoid being in the way of a person, vehicle, or obstacle and to prevent a collision.
Der Radfahrer konnte dem plötzlich öffnenden Autotor gerade noch ausweichen.
The cyclist was just able to dodge the car door that suddenly opened.
to avoid
To deliberately avoid an unpleasant topic, a difficult question, or an obligation and not respond to it.
Jedes Mal, wenn ich sie auf das Problem anspreche, weicht sie meiner Frage aus.
Every time I bring up the problem with her, she avoids my question.
'Ausweichen' (to dodge / avoid) is a separable verb. The prefix 'aus-' goes to the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses and infinitive constructions, the verb stays together.
Der Fußgänger wich dem Fahrrad schnell aus.
The pedestrian quickly dodged the bicycle.
A very important point: 'ausweichen' (to dodge / avoid) is always used with the dative. You dodge or avoid 'jemandem' (someone) or 'etwas' (something), not 'jemanden' or 'etwas' in the accusative.
Sie ist dem Ball geschickt ausgewichen.
She skillfully dodged the ball.
You can recognize the meaning from the object: If you dodge a concrete, physical obstacle (e.g. a car, a person), the literal meaning is intended. If you avoid an abstract concept (e.g. a question, a topic, a gaze), the figurative meaning is intended.
Ich musste einem großen Hund ausweichen.
I had to dodge a large dog.
to avoid
Both words can refer to preventing a collision. „Ausweichen“ describes the specific quick movement to the side and is used with the dative, while „vermeiden“ names the event or behavior being prevented with the accusative. „Ausweichen“ fits an immediate movement, while „vermeiden“ fits preventive action.
Um einem Fußgänger auszuweichen, fuhr der Radfahrer zur Seite.
To avoid a pedestrian, the cyclist moved to the side.
Um einen Zusammenstoß zu vermeiden, fuhr der Radfahrer langsamer.
To avoid a collision, the cyclist slowed down.
