der  Ausstoß

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈaʊsʃtoːs/

💨 What does "der Ausstoß" mean?

Der Ausstoß is a masculine noun primarily referring to the act of releasing, emitting, or producing something. It has several specific meanings:

• Emissions: This is the most common meaning, especially in environmental contexts. It refers to the release of substances (often pollutants) into the environment. *Example: der CO2-Ausstoß (CO2 emissions), der Schadstoffausstoß (pollutant emissions).*
• Output / Production Volume: In economic or industrial contexts, it refers to the quantity of goods produced in a specific period. *Example: der jährliche Ausstoß einer Fabrik (the annual output of a factory).*
• Expulsion (rare): Less commonly, it can refer to the physical act of expelling something, like air or liquid, although more specific verbs are often preferred here.

⚠️ *Pay attention to the context to understand the correct meaning.*

📐 Grammar in Detail: Der Ausstoß

The noun „Ausstoß“ is masculine. Here are the declension tables:

Singular

Plural

💡 Example Sentences

1. Der Ausstoß von Treibhausgasen muss reduziert werden. (The emission of greenhouse gases must be reduced.)
2. Die Höhe des Ausstoßes wird jährlich gemessen. (The level of emissions is measured annually.)
3. Man arbeitet an einer Reduzierung des Ausstoßes. (They are working on a reduction of the emissions/output.)
4. Die Regierung will den Ausstoß begrenzen. (The government wants to limit the emissions/output.)
5. Die jährlichen Ausstöße der Fabrik sind gestiegen. (The annual outputs of the factory have increased.)

🗣️ How to use "Ausstoß"?

“Der Ausstoß” is used in various contexts, with distinct meanings:

• Environment & Climate: Very common in discussions about air pollution, climate change, and emissions. Usually refers to pollutants or greenhouse gases (*e.g., CO2-Ausstoß, Stickoxid-Ausstoß*).
• Economy & Industry: Refers to the production capacity or output of a company or sector (*e.g., Produktionsausstoß, jährlicher Ausstoß*).
• Technology: Can refer to the expulsion of gases, liquids, or particles by machines or devices.

Comparison:

• Emission: Often used synonymously with Ausstoß in the environmental context, but 'Emission' is more internationally recognized and scientific.
• Produktion/Output: Ausstoß emphasizes the quantity produced, while 'Produktion' can describe the process, and 'Output' is a more general term (also for data, etc.).

🧠 Mnemonics for "der Ausstoß"

For the article (der): Think of a strong, powerful *stoß* (push, thrust) - a masculine action. *Der Stoß* -> *der Ausstoß*. It's something actively pushed *out*.

For the meaning (emission/output): Imagine something being pushed *aus* (out). A car pushes *out* exhaust fumes (*emission*), a factory pushes *out* products (*output*). The prefix *"Aus-"* helps you remember the 'outward' direction.

🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms

⚠️ Similar but misleading words

• Anstoß: *Means impulse, trigger, start (e.g., kick-off in football) or offence/annoyance.*
• Stoß: *Can mean a push, a jolt, a pile/stack, or a type of horn.*

😄 A little joke

German: Fragt der Mechaniker den Autofahrer: „Hat Ihr Wagen einen hohen Ausstoß?“ Antwortet der Fahrer: „Nein, wieso? Stößt er Sie etwa aus?“

English Translation: The mechanic asks the driver: "Does your car have high emissions (Ausstoß)?" The driver replies: "No, why? Does it push you out (stößt Sie aus)?" *(This is a pun on the literal meaning of "ausstoßen" - to push out/eject)*

📜 Poem about Ausstoß

German:
Der Schornstein raucht, Tag und Nacht,
hat Schadstoffe in die Luft gebracht.
Der Ausstoß steigt, die Welt wird warm,
das macht uns allen großen Harm.
Doch auch die Fabrik, mit Fleiß und Kraft,
hat einen großen Output geschafft.
Der Ausstoß hier, an Waren gut,
vermehrt Besitz und macht uns Mut.
Zwei Seiten zeigt das Wort so klar,
mal Segen, mal Gefahr.

English Translation:
The chimney smokes, day and night,
has brought pollutants into the light (air).
The emission rises, the world gets warm,
that causes all of us great harm.
But also the factory, with diligence and might,
has achieved a great output right.
The output here, of goods so fine,
increases possessions and makes courage shine.
Two sides the word shows clearly so,
sometimes a blessing, sometimes woe.

🧩 Riddle

German:
Ich komme aus Motoren und Fabriken,
manchmal kann man mich kaum erblicken.
Ich messe, was produziert wird an Zahl,
und schädlich bin ich oft, eine Qual.
Was bin ich?

English:
I come from engines and from factories,
Sometimes I'm hard to see with ease.
I measure what's produced in number tall,
And harmful I am often, a pain for all.
What am I?

Solution: der Ausstoß (emission / output)

🌐 Further Information

Word Composition:

The word „Ausstoß“ is composed of:

• aus: *Prefix indicating movement from inside to outside or completion.*
• Stoß: *From the verb „stoßen“ (to push, shove, emit).*

Together, they form the meaning of 'that which is pushed out' or 'that which is emitted'.

Related Terms:

• ausstoßen (verb - *to emit, to expel*)
• Ausstoßer (noun - *emitter, ejector*)
• Emissionshandel (noun - *emissions trading*)