der Auswuchs
outgrowth
A negative, excessive, and undesirable phenomenon or development that arises from something.
EXAMPLE
Vandalismus ist ein trauriger Auswuchs gesellschaftlicher Probleme.
Vandalism is a sad outgrowth of social problems.
der Auswuchs
outgrowth
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Meanings
der Auswuchs
growth
A growth or protrusion that grows out of a body or a plant, often as a pathological change.
EXAMPLE
Der Baum hatte an seinem Stamm einen seltsamen Auswuchs.
The tree had a strange growth on its trunk.
Usage tips
Word family
The noun 'der Auswuchs' (outgrowth) is derived from the verb 'auswachsen' (to grow out / develop into). So it literally describes something that 'grows out' of something else, which can be understood both literally and figuratively.
EXAMPLE
Aus einem kleinen Problem kann sich schnell ein großes auswachsen.
A small problem can quickly grow into a large one.
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning from the context: If people are talking about biology or medicine (plants, bodies), it means a physical growth. If people are talking about society, politics, or behavior, it means a negative, excessive development.
EXAMPLE
Der Arzt untersuchte den seltsamen Auswuchs auf seiner Haut.
The doctor examined the strange growth on his skin.
Register and style
In the figurative sense, 'Auswuchs' (outgrowth) is used mainly in written language, for example in newspaper articles or political discussions. The word always has a strongly negative and critical meaning.
EXAMPLE
Der Bericht kritisiert die Auswüchse der modernen Arbeitswelt.
The report criticizes the excesses of the modern working world.
Typical collocations
In the negative meaning, the word is often combined with abstract nouns, for example 'die Auswüchse der Bürokratie' (the excesses of bureaucracy), 'ein Auswuchs von Gewalt' (an outgrowth of violence), or 'gesellschaftliche Auswüchse' (social excesses).
EXAMPLE
Wir müssen diese unerwünschten Auswüchse bekämpfen.
We must fight these undesirable outgrowths.
Compare with
Auswuchs vs Wachstum
growth
Both words can refer to a pathological change in tissue. Wachstum mainly describes the uncontrolled multiplication of cells, while an Auswuchs (outgrowth) refers to the visible growth or protrusion that has formed. Use Wachstum for the process and Auswuchs for the resulting change.
Auswuchs
Die Ärztin entdeckte einen kleinen Auswuchs am Gewebe.
The doctor discovered a small outgrowth on the tissue.
Wachstum
Die Ärztin beobachtet das krankhafte Wachstum der Zellen genau.
The doctor is closely monitoring the abnormal growth of the cells.
In real life
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