ausüben

Meaning (in English)

ausüben means to exercise / to practice / to carry out something—typically an activity, a profession, a right, or influence.

Common uses:

• einen Beruf ausüben = to practice a profession
• ein Recht ausüben = to exercise a right
• Druck / Einfluss ausüben = to exert pressure / influence

Parts / Word formation

• Prefix: aus- (often suggesting “out,” “fully,” or “to completion” in verbs)
• Base verb: üben = to practice, train, rehearse
  Together, ausüben conveys the idea of putting something into action or applying it in practice.

Multiple meanings / typical contexts

1. To practice (a job, activity, or skill)

   • Sie übt den Beruf seit Jahren aus. = She has practiced the profession for years.

2. To exercise (a right, power)

   • Er übt sein Wahlrecht aus. = He exercises his right to vote.

3. To exert (influence, pressure, force)

   • Die Firma übt großen Druck aus. = The company exerts strong pressure.

German synonyms

Depending on context:

• (profession/activity): praktizieren, betreiben, nachgehen (einem Beruf nachgehen)
• (right/power): wahrnehmen (ein Recht wahrnehmen), anwenden
• (influence/pressure): ausüben is standard; also ausüben ↔ ausüben von is often replaced by Druck machen (informal), Einfluss nehmen

German antonyms (if applicable)

• (a right): darauf verzichten, nicht wahrnehmen
• (a profession/activity): aufgeben, unterlassen
• (pressure/influence): nachgeben (as the opposite reaction), locker lassen (informal, “to ease off”)