German word

ausschöpfen

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈaʊ̯sˌʃœpfən/

Meaning

  • verbuse up

Example

Wir schöpften die Vorräte aus.

We used up the supplies.

Illustration for ausschöpfen (use up)

More examples

Wir müssen die Kapazitäten ausschöpfen.

We need to fully utilize the capacities.

Core concept

A vessel is emptied by drawing out every last portion, and the same pattern applies to supplies, options, or potential.

Common phrases

  • Kapazitäten ausschöpfen

    fully utilize capacities

  • Chancen ausschöpfen

    make full use of opportunities

Similar words

aufbrauchen: Using up food, fuel, or other supplies completely.
erschöpfen: Wearing someone out or draining their strength entirely.
verbrauchen: Using up material, energy, or time through consumption.
ausnutzen: Exploiting a situation or person's weakness for personal benefit.

Definition in German

etwas vollständig aus etwas entnehmen oder bis zum letzten Rest nutzen

Word origin

Ausschöpfen combines the prefix "aus-" meaning out with "schöpfen" meaning scoop or draw, extending the act of drawing liquid out to fully using resources or possibilities.

Usage tips

  • As a separable verb, it appears as "schöpft ... aus" in the present tense and "hat ... ausgeschöpft" in the perfect.

Other meanings

  • depleteverb
  • exploitverb

Opposites

Related words

  • Ausschöpfungsgradutilization levelnoun
  • ausgeschöpftexhaustedadjective

Word lists with this word