der Vergriff
Translation
out of print, out of stock
Examples
Das Buch ist leider im Vergriff.
The book is unfortunately out of print.
Viele alte Ausgaben sind im Vergriff.
Many old editions are out of print.
Grammar Patterns
to be out of print The book is unfortunately out of print.
Similar Words
Synonyms: ausverkauft (sold out); Antonyms: lieferbar (available), verfügbar (available)
Etymology
From 'vergreifen' (to grab wrongly, to sell out). 'ver-' (away, amiss) + 'Griff' (grip, grasp). It implies that something has been 'grabbed away' and is no longer available.
Memory Tips
Imagine a book being 'vergriffen' – grabbed away by so many people that it's now gone. This state is 'im Vergriff'.