auslösen
trigger
Etwas anfangen oder bewirken, meist als Reaktion auf eine bestimmte Handlung oder ein Ereignis.
The German word "auslösen" is a verb meaning "to trigger," "to cause," or "to initiate." It is made up of:
- "lösen" meaning "to loosen" or "to release"
- The prefix "aus-" meaning "out" or "off"
So, "auslösen" literally means to "release out" or "set off."
Similar words:
- verursachen (to cause)
- hervorrufen (to evoke, to cause)
- initieren (to initiate)
Differences:
- auslösen often implies a more immediate or active triggering of an event or process (e.g., an alarm, a reaction).
- verursachen is more general, referring to being the cause of something, often neutral or negative.
- hervorrufen focuses on bringing something about, often intangible like feelings or reactions.
- initieren is more formal and emphasizes the starting or initiating phase, often in planned contexts.
Make “auslösen” part of your vocabulary.
Build your German vocabulary with flashcards, audio and spaced repetition.
Examples
Das kann eine allergische Reaktion auslösen.verb
This can trigger an allergic reaction.
Ein Fehlalarm löst oft unnötige Panik aus.verb
A false alarm often triggers unnecessary panic.
Die Bewegung löst den Alarm aus.verb
The movement triggers the alarm.
Ein starker Wind kann manchmal den Alarm auslösen.verb
A strong wind can sometimes trigger the alarm.
Das schnelle Blinken könnte den Mechanismus auslösen.verb
The rapid blinking could trigger the mechanism.
Dieses Bild löst starke Emotionen aus.verb
This picture triggers strong emotions.
Keep exploring German
Learn words from the content you love.
Add words from websites, books and videos, then remember them with spaced repetition (SRS).
Scan for iPhone & iPad