das  Auslaufmodell

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈaʊsˌlaʊfmoˌdɛl/

💡 What Exactly is an Auslaufmodell?

An Auslaufmodell (article: das) refers to a product (often a technical device, a car, a fashion item, etc.) whose production is being discontinued or has already been discontinued. So, it's no longer being manufactured, and only remaining stocks are sold, usually at a reduced price, to make way for successor models (Nachfolgemodelle).

It is a noun of neuter gender (sächlich).

• Core meaning: A product that will soon no longer be available because it is being replaced by a newer one.
• Context: Commerce (Handel), technology (Technik), fashion (Mode), automotive industry (Automobilindustrie).

🚨 There are no other articles for this word; it is always das Auslaufmodell.

🧐 Grammar Up Close: das Auslaufmodell

The word "Auslaufmodell" is a neuter noun (sächlich). Here is its declension (Deklination):

📝 Example Sentences

1. Das alte Smartphone ist jetzt ein Auslaufmodell und daher günstiger.
   (The old smartphone is now a discontinued model and therefore cheaper.)
2. Der Händler bietet die letzten Auslaufmodelle des Fernsehers mit Rabatt an.
   (The retailer is offering the last discontinued models of the TV at a discount.)
3. Ich habe mir letztes Jahr ein Auslaufmodell eines Laptops gekauft und bin immer noch zufrieden.
   (I bought a discontinued model of a laptop last year and am still satisfied.)
4. Die Produktion dieses Auslaufmodells wurde bereits im letzten Quartal eingestellt.
   (The production of this discontinued model was already stopped last quarter.)

🚀 When to Use "Auslaufmodell"?

The term Auslaufmodell is mainly used in commercial (wirtschaftlich) and technical (technisch) contexts:

• In commerce (Im Handel): When shops sell remaining stock of older product versions, often labelled "Auslaufmodell" to explain the reduced price.
• In technology (In der Technik): When a new generation of a device (e.g., smartphone, camera, computer) enters the market, the previous version becomes an Auslaufmodell.
• In fashion (In der Mode): Collections from the last season are often offered cheaper as Auslaufmodelle.
• In the automotive sector (Im Automobilsektor): Before a new car model is introduced, the current one is considered an Auslaufmodell.

It often carries a slightly negative connotation of "no longer the latest," but can be attractive to price-conscious buyers (preisbewusste Käufer). It's more specific than "altes Modell" (old model), as it emphasizes the active process of phasing out and replacement.

Comparison:

• Vorgängermodell: (Predecessor model) Emphasizes the chronological sequence to the successor.
• Restposten: (Remaining stock / Clearance item) Emphasizes the remaining inventory, doesn't necessarily have to be a discontinued model (could also be overproduction).
• Auslaufmodell: (Discontinued model) Emphasizes that production is ending and it's being replaced by something new.

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

For the article (das): Think of das Modell. Many generic terms for types or examples in German are neuter, like das Exemplar (the specimen), das Muster (the pattern/sample). The Modell is 'running out' (Auslauf-), so it's das Auslaufmodell.

For the meaning (being discontinued): Imagine a product 'running out' (läuft aus) of the shop or factory and not coming back – it's an Auslauf-Modell (running-out model). It's running away because it's getting old. 😉

🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms

⚠️ Caution: Not every old product is automatically an Auslaufmodell. A product only becomes one when the manufacturer decides to stop production and replace it with something new.

😄 A Little Joke

Fragt der Kunde den Verkäufer: "Ist dieses Handy schon ein Auslaufmodell?"
Sagt der Verkäufer: "Nein, wieso? Es klingelt doch noch!"

(Customer asks the salesperson: "Is this phone already a discontinued model?"
Salesperson replies: "No, why? It still rings!")

📜 Poem about the Auslaufmodell

Im Regal, da stand es stolz,
aus glattem Kunststoff, nicht aus Holz.
Doch die Zeit, sie rannte schnell, Ein neues kam, mit mehr Tamtam, das alte schlich sich langsam gram.
Nun heißt es schlicht, im Handel hell:
"Zu kaufen nur als Auslaufmodell."
Ein Schnäppchen zwar, doch leicht betagt,

(On the shelf, it stood so proud,
of plastic smooth, not wood endowed.
But time, it ran ever so fast,
its prime would very soon be passed.
A new one came, with more fanfare,
the old one faded, full of care.
Now simply called, in retail bright:
"For sale only as a discontinued model quite."
A bargain yes, though slightly old,
by progress quietly oversold.)

🧩 Little Riddle

Ich war mal neu, beliebt und schick,
doch mein Nachfolger kommt Stück für Stück.
Man findet mich oft reduziert im Preis,
weil meine Produktionszeit endet leis'.

Was bin ich? (Lösung: das Auslaufmodell)

(I once was new, popular, and chic,
but my successor's coming, quick, quick, quick.
You often find me at a lower price,
because my production time ends, oh so nice and quiet.)

(What am I?) (Solution: the discontinued model / das Auslaufmodell)

✨ Other Tidbits

Word Composition (Wortzusammensetzung):

The word "Auslaufmodell" is a compound noun (Kompositum), composed of:

• Auslauf: Derived from the verb "auslaufen" (to run out, expire, phase out) - here in the sense of coming to an end, being discontinued.
• Modell: Meaning a model, type, or specific version of a product.

Together, the meaning is: A model (product type) that is phasing out (ausläuft) / whose production is ending.

Cultural Aspect:

In consumer societies (Konsumgesellschaften), Auslaufmodelle are a constant phenomenon. They reflect rapid technological progress (technologischer Fortschritt) and marketing strategies designed to constantly encourage consumers to buy the latest product.