01
auszahlen
to pay out
To give someone money that they are entitled to, for example a salary, winnings, or a share.
example
Die Firma zahlt die Gehälter immer am Monatsende aus.
The company always pays out salaries at the end of the month.
auszahlen
to pay out
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Separable verb
'Auszahlen' (to pay out) is a separable verb. The prefix 'aus' comes at the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses or in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Der Lottogewinn wird nächste Woche ausgezahlt.
The lottery winnings will be paid out next week.
Reflexive use
In the meaning 'to be worthwhile', the verb is always used reflexively: 'sich auszahlen' (to pay off). The subject is the effort or investment that was worthwhile.
EXAMPLE
Das lange Lernen hat sich ausgezahlt, ich habe die Prüfung bestanden.
The long studying paid off; I passed the exam.
Context clue
The meaning depends on the sentence structure. 'Jemandem (Dativ) etwas auszahlen' means to pay someone money. 'Sich auszahlen' means that effort pays off. 'Jemanden (Akkusativ) auszahlen' means to buy a partner out of a business.
EXAMPLE
Die Firma zahlt den Mitarbeitern (Dativ) den Lohn aus.
The company pays out the wages to the employees (dative).
Typical collocations
Typical things that are paid out are money or financial claims. Common objects are 'Gehalt' (salary), 'Lohn' (wages), 'Gewinne' (winnings), 'Überstunden' (overtime), or 'einen Anteil' (a share).
EXAMPLE
Das Casino muss den Gewinn sofort auszahlen.
The casino has to pay out the winnings immediately.
Compare with
auszahlen vs bezahlen
to pay
'bezahlen' and 'auszahlen' both have to do with money. You use 'bezahlen' when you give money for something, for example for a purchase, a bill, or a debt. 'auszahlen' means that someone receives money they are entitled to, for example wages, winnings, or a share. It is easy to confuse the words because in both cases money changes hands. The important difference is: with 'bezahlen', it is usually about goods, a service, or a bill. With 'auszahlen', it is about someone receiving a specific amount of money.
auszahlen
Nach dem Turnier zahlt der Verein den Gewinnern das Preisgeld aus.
After the tournament, the club pays out the prize money to the winners.
bezahlen
Nach dem Arzttermin bezahlt sie die Gebühr direkt an der Anmeldung.
After the doctor's appointment, she pays the fee directly at reception.
In real life
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