aus
from (a place or origin) · out of, from (a container or enclosed space) · made of, made from · off, out (in separable verbs)
The preposition 'aus' means 'from' or 'out of' and indicates origin, material, or movement out of something. It is also used in many fixed expressions and as a separable verb prefix.
What aus means
- from (a place or origin) — indicating where someone or something comes from
- out of, from (a container or enclosed space) — indicating movement from inside to outside
- made of, made from — indicating the material something is made of
- off, out (in separable verbs) — as a prefix indicating turning off, ending, or completing an action
Heard in real German videos
Lines where aus was actually spoken, from German videos watched with DeutschChat.
- Sie kommt aus einer anderen Welt, Sumi.She comes from another world, Sumi.
- Das sieht wie Essen aus.That looks like food.
- Mach die Lachschleife aus.Turn off the laugh track.
Example sentences
- Ich komme aus Deutschland.I come from Germany.
- Er nimmt das Buch aus der Tasche.He takes the book out of the bag.
- Der Tisch ist aus Holz.The table is made of wood.
- Mach bitte das Licht aus.Please turn off the light.
Grammar
| Case | Dative |
|---|---|
| Contraction | aus + dem = ausm (colloquial) |
Always takes the dative case.
Common phrases
- aus seinto be off, to be over
- aus und vorbeiover and done with
- aus Versehenby accident
- auswendigby heart
The mistake English speakers make
Confusing 'aus' with 'von' when talking about origin. Use 'aus' for cities, countries, and buildings; use 'von' for persons or when indicating movement from a point.
Don’t confuse it with
- von — 'Von' is used for origin from a person or a point, while 'aus' is used for origin from an enclosed space or geographical area.
Questions learners ask
What case does 'aus' take?
'Aus' always takes the dative case.
How do you say 'I am from Germany' in German?
Ich komme aus Deutschland.
What is the difference between 'aus' and 'von'?
'Aus' is used for origin from a place or container, while 'von' is used for origin from a person or a point of departure.