verb
auslegen
lay out
Etwas erklären oder deuten, oft um den Sinn oder die Bedeutung zu zeigen.
The German word "auslegen" is a verb composed of "aus" (meaning "out" or "outward") and "legen" (meaning "to lay" or "to put").
- "auslegen" means "to lay out," "to interpret," or "to display."
- It can refer to physically placing items somewhere (e.g., brochures) or explaining/understanding the meaning of texts, laws, or signs.
Similar words:
- "darlegen" (to explain, set forth)
- "interpretieren" (to interpret)
- "ausstellen" (to exhibit, display)
Difference:
- "auslegen" often combines the physical (laying out) and interpretative meanings, while "interpretieren" focuses purely on understanding or explaining meaning.
- "ausstellen" emphasizes presentation/exhibition rather than explanation.
- "darlegen" is more formal, meaning to elaborate or explain clearly.
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Examples
Sie legen die Karten aus.verb
They are laying out the cards.
Bitte legen Sie den Teppich aus.verb
Please lay out the carpet.
Er legt die Karten auf dem Tisch aus.verb
He lays the cards out on the table.
Der Händler legte gestern seine Waren schön auf dem Markt aus.verb
The merchant laid out his goods nicely at the market yesterday.
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