verb

ausprägen

emboss · develop

Definition & meaning

ausprägen means to shape or develop something clearly, or to make a quality or feature become distinct.

To develop or give distinct form to something: Die Erfahrung prägte seinen Charakter aus. — “The experience shaped his character.”
To become pronounced or clearly visible, often reflexively: Mit der Zeit prägte sich ein deutlicher Akzent aus. — “Over time, a distinct accent emerged.”
To mint coins or produce stamped items: Die Münzstätte prägte neue Münzen aus. — “The mint produced new coins.”

Grammar & word origin

ausprägen is a separable, regular verb. Its principal forms are prägte aus and hat ausgeprägt. It is often used reflexively when describing a feature that develops or becomes distinct: sich ausprägen.

The verb combines aus- (“out,” “fully”) with prägen (“to imprint,” “to shape”). The underlying image is of giving something a definite, recognizable form.

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms vary by context:

entwickeln — “to develop”; broader and less focused on becoming clearly defined.
herausbilden — “to form” or “take shape”; often describes a quality emerging gradually.
gestalten — “to shape” or “design”; emphasizes deliberate influence or arrangement.
münzen — “to mint”; applies specifically to producing coins.

There is no single antonym for all meanings. Depending on context, abschwächen (“to weaken”) can oppose making a feature more pronounced, while verwischen (“to blur”) can oppose making it distinct.