to disqualify
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to disqualify
To exclude someone from a competition, race, or exam because he or she has broken the rules.
Der Läufer wurde wegen eines Fehlstarts disqualifiziert.
The runner was disqualified because of a false start.
The word consists of the negative prefix 'dis-' and the verb 'qualifizieren' (to qualify). So it literally means to deny someone a qualification or declare it invalid.
Durch sein unsportliches Verhalten hat er sich selbst für den Sieg disqualifiziert.
Through his unsportsmanlike behavior, he disqualified himself from winning.
The structure is often: someone (subject) disqualifies someone (accusative) for a reason (genitive or 'wegen' + dative) from a competition (dative).
Die Jury disqualifizierte die Athletin wegen eines Dopingvergehens vom Wettkampf.
The jury disqualified the athlete from the competition because of a doping violation.
When someone makes themselves unsuitable, the verb is used reflexively with 'sich' (oneself). The position or task for which someone disqualifies themselves is connected with the preposition 'für' (+ accusative).
Der Politiker hat sich mit seinen Lügen für jedes öffentliche Amt disqualifiziert.
The politician disqualified himself from every public office with his lies.
The reflexive pronoun 'sich' (oneself) is a clear signal that the figurative meaning is intended: a person proves unsuitable through their own behavior, not through a rule violation in sports.
Wer so unzuverlässig ist, disqualifiziert sich für eine Führungsposition.
Anyone who is that unreliable disqualifies themselves for a leadership position.
to exclude / rule out
'ausschließen' and 'disqualifizieren' can both mean that someone is no longer allowed to take part in something. 'ausschließen' is more general: it fits groups, courses, events, or activities. 'disqualifizieren' is used mainly for competitions, races, or exams when someone has broken the rules. Learners may confuse the words because a disqualification is also a kind of exclusion. If it is not about a competition or clear rules, 'ausschließen' is usually more natural.
Wegen eines Fehlstarts disqualifiziert die Jury den Läufer.
The judges disqualify the runner because of a false start.
Der Verein schließt ein Mitglied wegen wiederholter Beleidigungen aus.
The club excludes a member because of repeated insults.