Auslösen vs. triggern vs. hervorrufen
These three verbs all describe the act of starting a reaction or emotion, but they serve different contexts. Generally, auslösen is the standard and most versatile term, triggern is a modern loanword used for psychological stimuli or annoyance, and hervorrufen is a more formal way of saying to evoke or elicit a response.
Auslösen
B2This is the most common and neutral term for to trigger or to set off. It usually implies a direct cause-and-effect relationship, much like a mechanical switch. You use auslösen for triggering alarms, cameras, medical chain reactions (like allergies), or immediate explosions of emotion.
Der Rauch hat den Feueralarm ausgelöst.
(The smoke triggered the fire alarm.)
Diese Nachricht löste bei der Bevölkerung Panik aus.
(This news sparked panic among the population.)
Stress kann bei manchen Menschen Migräne auslösen.
(Stress can trigger migraines in some people.)
Sein Kommentar löste eine heftige Debatte aus.
(His comment set off a heated debate.)
Der Druck auf den Knopf löst den Mechanismus aus.
(Pressing the button releases the mechanism.)
Triggern
C1Adopted directly from English, triggern is used in two specific ways. In a clinical sense, it refers to setting off a traumatic memory or psychological episode (like PTSD). In modern internet slang and colloquial speech, it simply means to provoke, upset, or strongly annoy someone.
Bestimmte Gerüche können traumatische Erinnerungen triggern.
(Certain smells can trigger traumatic memories.)
Seine arrogante Art triggert mich total.
(His arrogant manner totally triggers (annoys) me.)
Der Inhalt des Films könnte Menschen mit Angststörungen triggern.
(The content of the film could trigger people with anxiety disorders.)
Lass dich von den Trollen im Internet nicht triggern.
(Don't let the trolls on the internet trigger you.)
Hervorrufen
C1This is a more elevated or formal term that translates to evoke, elicit, or call forth. While auslösen emphasizes the start of an event, hervorrufen focuses on the result that is brought into existence, such as symptoms, moods, or reactions from an audience.
Das Medikament kann Übelkeit und Schwindel hervorrufen.
(The medication can cause (induce) nausea and dizziness.)
Ihr Verhalten rief bei den Nachbarn großes Misstrauen hervor.
(Her behavior evoked great suspicion among the neighbors.)
Das alte Lied rief nostalgische Gefühle in ihm hervor.
(The old song called forth nostalgic feelings in him.)
Der Vorschlag rief gemischte Reaktionen hervor.
(The proposal elicited mixed reactions.)
Summary
Use auslösen for general mechanisms, physiological reactions, or starting events (the standard choice). Use triggern specifically for psychological trauma or colloquially when getting annoyed. Use hervorrufen in formal contexts when you want to describe evoking a specific state, symptom, or mood.