01
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
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 02
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 Tumor
tumor
'der Tumor' and 'der Auswuchs' can both refer to something that grows in an unusual way. In medicine, 'Tumor' is the more precise technical term for a growth of tissue in the body. A tumor can be benign or malignant. 'Auswuchs' is more general and can be a protrusion or growth on a body or on a plant. In addition, 'Auswuchs' is often used figuratively for a bad development. 'Tumor' can also be used figuratively, but then it sounds stronger and more medical. The words can be confused because both describe growth. For a medical diagnosis, 'Tumor' is more precise; for a visible growth or a negative development, 'Auswuchs' often fits better.
Auswuchs
An dem alten Baum ist ein seltsamer Auswuchs gewachsen.
A strange growth has grown on the old tree.
Tumor
Die Ärztin erklärt, dass der Tumor gutartig ist.
The doctor explains that the tumor is benign.
In real life
Loading video examples...