von sich aus
Translation
on one's own initiative, voluntarily, spontaneously, by itself
Examples
Er hat von sich aus geholfen.
He helped on his own initiative.
Das Problem löste sich von sich aus.
The problem solved itself.
Grammar Patterns
[von sich aus] on one's own initiative He helped on his own initiative.
Similar Words
Synonyms: aus eigenem Antrieb (on one's own drive), freiwillig (voluntarily); Antonym: gezwungen (forced)
Etymology
Literally 'from oneself out'. It's composed of 'von' (from), the reflexive pronoun 'sich' (oneself), and 'aus' (out).
Memory Tips
Think of an idea or action originating 'from' ('von') 'oneself' ('sich') and moving 'out' ('aus') into the world. Remember to change 'sich' to match the subject.