der  Ausläufer

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈaʊsˌlɔʏ̯fɐ/

⛰️🌳 Diverse Meanings: What is an Ausläufer?

The word der Ausläufer is a masculine noun and has several meanings, often related to some kind of 'extension' or 'end':

• Geographical 🏞️: An Ausläufer refers to the gradually sloping, lower parts of a mountain range or hilly region that transition into flatter terrain. We often speak of the Ausläufer (foothills) of the Alps or another mountain range.
• Botanical 🍓: In botany, an Ausläufer is a long, often above-ground side shoot of a plant (also called a stolon or runner), which serves for vegetative reproduction. New plants can form at its end (e.g., with strawberries).
• Figurative / Temporal ⏳: It can also denote the gradual end or the last effects of an event, development, or phenomenon. For example, the last Ausläufer (trailing effects) of a storm, an economic crisis, or a fashion trend.

⚠️ There are no different articles for this word; it is always der Ausläufer.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar Spotlight: Declension of 'Ausläufer'

Der Ausläufer is a masculine noun. Its declension follows the pattern for masculine nouns ending in -er.

💡 Example Sentences

1. (Geographical) Wir wanderten in den Ausläufern des Harzes.
   (We hiked in the foothills of the Harz mountains.)
2. (Botanical) Die Erdbeerpflanze bildet viele Ausläufer.
   (The strawberry plant forms many runners.)
3. (Figurative) Die letzten Ausläufer des Gewitters zogen ab.
   (The last effects/fringes of the thunderstorm moved away.)
4. (Genitive) Am Ende des Ausläufers bildete sich eine neue Wurzel.
   (A new root formed at the end of the runner.)
5. (Dative Plural) Man muss aufpassen, nicht auf den Ausläufern der Pflanze zu treten.
   (One must be careful not to step on the plant's runners.)

💬 How to Use 'Ausläufer'?

Usage heavily depends on the context:

• Talking about geography or hiking: Here, der Ausläufer clearly refers to foothills or ridges on the edge of a larger mountain range. Example: "Die Stadt liegt an den nördlichen Ausläufern des Schwarzwaldes." (The city is located on the northern foothills of the Black Forest.)
• In gardening or botany: When discussing plant propagation, der Ausläufer means the side shoot or runner. Example: "Schneide die überzähligen Ausläufer der Grünlilie ab." (Cut off the excess runners of the spider plant.)
• In weather reports or news: Often used to describe the end or reach of a phenomenon. Example: "Die Ausläufer des Orkans erreichen morgen die Küste." (The fringes/outskirts of the hurricane will reach the coast tomorrow.) or "Wir spüren noch die wirtschaftlichen Ausläufer der Pandemie." (We still feel the economic repercussions/aftermath of the pandemic.)

There's little risk of confusion, as the context usually clarifies the meaning. It always describes something that 'extends outwards' or 'runs out' from a center or main body.

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

For the article: Think of der Berg (the mountain). Where does der Berg end? In den Ausläufern (the foothills - dative plural, hinting at masculine). Or: A plant 'läuft aus' (runs out) and forms den Trieb (the shoot - masculine accusative) = der Ausläufer.

For the meaning: Imagine something (a mountain, a plant, a storm) 'running aus' (out) – moving away from the core, spreading out, or gradually coming to an end. The part that 'runs out' is der Ausläufer.

↔️ Opposites and Similarities: Synonyms & Antonyms

Similar Words:

• Der Läufer: Refers to a runner (person) or a rug (carpet runner). Not directly related in meaning to Ausläufer, although both derive from 'laufen' (to run).

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt ein Wanderer den anderen in den Voralpen: "Sind wir hier schon in den Ausläufern oder laufen wir nur aus der Puste?"

(One hiker asks another in the foothills: "Are we in the foothills (Ausläufern) here, or are we just running out of breath (aus der Puste laufen)?" - It's a pun on 'laufen'.)

📜 A Little Poem

Wo der Berg sanft zu Tal sich neigt,
Der Ausläufer dem Wanderer zeigt,
Dass bald das flache Land beginnt,
Wo neuer Weg die Richtung nimmt.

(Where the mountain gently slopes to the vale,
The foothill shows the hiker,
That soon the flat land begins,
Where a new path takes direction.)

Die Erdbeer' schickt, so rot und fein,
Den Ausläufer ins Beet hinein,
Ein neues Pflänzchen soll entsteh'n,
So kann man Frucht im Sommer seh'n.

(The strawberry sends, so red and fine,
The runner into the garden bed,
A new little plant shall arise,
So one can see fruit in the summer.)

❓ Riddle Time

Ich bin das Ende, doch kein Schluss,
Mal vom Gebirg', mal Pflanzenkuss.
Ich klinge nach Bewegung, leis und sacht,
Und bin oft weit vom Ursprung gebracht.

Wer bin ich?

(I am the end, but not a conclusion,
Sometimes from the mountains, sometimes a plant's kiss (touch).
I sound like movement, soft and gentle,
And am often brought far from the origin.

Who am I?) (Answer: Der Ausläufer)

🧩 Word Components and Trivia

Word Composition:

The word Ausläufer is composed of:

• The prefix aus- (indicates movement from inside to outside, an end, or an extension)
• The verb stem of laufen (to run, to walk, to move)
• The suffix -er (here forms a noun, often denoting a person or thing performing the action or associated with it).

So, an Ausläufer is literally something that 'runs out' or 'extends outwards'.

Trivia: In sports, "Ausläufer" can sometimes be used disparagingly for an athlete who is far behind the main field, practically at the 'tail end' (Ausläufer) of the race.