ausloggen

Ausloggen is a German verb meaning to end a user session by signing out of a computer system, application, or online service. It terminates an authenticated session and closes access to account resources on that device or service.

Etymology and usage: The term combines the prefix aus- with the English-derived log, and is common in IT and digital interfaces. It is used alongside abmelden, which more generally means to log off, unsubscribe, or sign out; ausloggen emphasizes ending an active session rather than leaving a service entirely.

Usage and contexts: In graphical user interfaces, an Ausloggen (or Abmelden) option is usually found in account menus, sometimes under a profile or user name. Selecting it ends the current session. Some apps offer “Remember me” or “Stay signed in” settings that affect whether ausloggen is required on exit. In command-line or cross-platform contexts, equivalents such as logout or exit may be used in English-language interfaces.

Security and privacy: Logging out terminates the current session, invalidates session tokens, and reduces the risk of unauthorized access on shared or public devices. It is recommended after using public computers, shared workstations, or when finishing a browser session.

Linguistic notes: Ausloggen is a separable verb; its present forms include ich logge mich aus, du loggst dich aus, er loggt sich aus, with the past participle ausgeloggt. Related terms include abmelden and the English loanwords log out or log off.