der  Ausverkauf

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈaʊsˌfɛɐ̯ˌkaʊf/

🛍️ What Exactly is an 'Ausverkauf'?

Der Ausverkauf (masculine) refers to a sales event where goods are offered at heavily reduced prices. The goal is often to clear out stock quickly, make space for new merchandise, or liquidate a business (Geschäftsaufgabe - business closure).

Typically, you'll find an Ausverkauf at the end of a season (e.g., Sommerschlussverkauf - summer closing sale, Winterschlussverkauf - winter closing sale) or for special occasions. It's the time for bargain hunters! 💰

Since there's only one article (der), there's no confusion regarding meaning based on the article. Remember: der Ausverkauf.

🧐 Grammar Deep Dive: Der Ausverkauf

The word Ausverkauf is a masculine noun. Here is its declension:

Example Sentences

• Der große Ausverkauf beginnt nächste Woche.
  (The big sale starts next week.)
• Ich habe im Ausverkauf tolle Schnäppchen gemacht.
  (I got great bargains in the sale.)
• Wegen Geschäftsaufgabe gibt es einen totalen Ausverkauf.
  (Due to business closure, there is a total clearance sale.)
• Die besten Angebote findet man oft zu Beginn des Ausverkaufs.
  (You often find the best deals at the beginning of the sale.)

🛒 When and How to Use 'Ausverkauf'?

The term Ausverkauf is primarily used in the context of retail.

• Typical Use Cases: Seasonal sales (Sommer-/Winterschlussverkauf), clearance sales due to renovation or closure (Räumungsverkauf), selling off remaining stock (Restposten).
• Context: It often implies a time-limited event with significantly reduced prices. The goal is the rapid selling off (Abverkauf) of goods.
• Distinction from similar terms:
  • Schlussverkauf: Very similar, often legally regulated seasonal sales in the past (though regulations have eased).
  • Rabattaktion/Sonderangebot: (Discount campaign/special offer) Can refer to individual products or product groups and doesn't necessarily aim to clear the entire stock. An Ausverkauf is usually more comprehensive.
  • Abverkauf: Often used synonymously, but can sometimes emphasize the finality more strongly (everything must go).

One might say "Ausverkauf von Waren" (sale of goods) or that a shop is "im Ausverkauf" (having a sale).

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

1. Remembering the Article (der): Imagine DER (the) male shop manager shouting: "Everything must go OUT! DER big SALE (Ausverkauf) starts now!" Associate the masculine manager with the masculine article der.
2. Remembering the Meaning: The word is composed of "aus" (meaning 'out', 'finished') and "Verkauf" ('sale'). So, it's a sale where everything is meant to go out or be finished. Everything must go out!

Think: Get the goods out ('aus') during the big sale ('Verkauf') = Ausverkauf!

🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms

⚠️ Watch out, don't confuse:

• Verkauf: The general act of selling, without the connotation of discounts or clearance.

😂 A Little Joke

Warum gehen Skelette nie zum Ausverkauf?

Weil sie keinen Körper haben, den sie einkleiden könnten... und die Preise sowieso schon bis auf die Knochen reduziert sind! 🦴

(Why do skeletons never go to the clearance sale? Because they have no body to dress... and the prices are already reduced to the bone!)

📜 Poem about the Ausverkauf

Die Schilder schreien: "Prozente hier!"
Der Ausverkauf lockt vor die Tür.
Rotstift regiert, die Preise fallen,
Schnäppchenjäger durch die Gänge wallen.

"Alles muss raus!", so tönt der Ruf,
Was gestern teuer, heut' ein Schnupf-
en wert vielleicht, man packt es ein,
So schön kann Sparen manchmal sein!

(The signs scream: "Percentages here!"
The clearance sale lures to the door.
Red pen rules, the prices fall,
Bargain hunters throng through the halls.

"Everything must go!", thus sounds the call,
What yesterday was costly, today worth a small
trifle perhaps, you bag it with glee,
Saving money can be lovely, you see!)

❓ Little Riddle

Ich komme oft am Ende,
Bring' Händlern eine Wende.
Mit roten Preisen lock' ich dich,
Mach' Lager leer, ganz sicherlich.
Was bin ich?

(I often come at the end,
Bring merchants a turning trend.
With red prices, I lure you near,
Empty warehouses, that much is clear.
What am I?)

Solution: Der Ausverkauf (The sale/clearance)

💡 Other Information

Word Composition:

The word Ausverkauf is a compound noun, composed of:

• aus: preposition/adverb, here meaning 'out', 'finished', 'completely'.
• Verkauf: noun, derived from the verb "verkaufen" (to sell).

So it literally describes a sale where (ideally everything) is sold out.

Trivia:

Previously, major sales (Schlussverkäufe) in Germany were legally restricted to specific periods (Winterschlussverkauf/WSV and Sommerschlussverkauf/SSV). These regulations were lifted in 2004, but many retailers still adhere to similar periods for their biggest Ausverkäufe out of tradition.