external / outward
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external / outward
Relating to the outer appearance, surface, or look of something, as opposed to the inside or essence.
Äußerlich wirkte er ruhig, aber innerlich war er sehr nervös.
Outwardly, he seemed calm, but inwardly he was very nervous.
The word 'äußerlich' (external/outward) is derived directly from 'außen' (outside). The ending '-lich' turns it into an adjective that describes how something is or looks from the outside.
Die äußerliche Fassade des Hauses war neu gestrichen.
The external facade of the house had been newly painted.
In the meaning 'relating to appearance', 'äußerlich' (outwardly/externally) is very often used as an adverb to create a contrast with 'innerlich' (inwardly/internally). This pattern emphasizes the difference between appearance and reality.
Äußerlich schien alles in Ordnung, aber innerlich fühlte sie sich leer.
Outwardly, everything seemed fine, but inwardly she felt empty.
In a medical context, 'äußerlich' (external) is almost always used in the fixed expression 'zur äußerlichen Anwendung' (for external use). This note appears on medications like ointments or creams that must not be taken orally.
Achtung: Diese Tinktur ist nur zur äußerlichen Anwendung bestimmt.
Warning: This tincture is intended for external use only.
outside
'außen' and 'äußerlich' both have to do with the outside, but they are used differently. 'außen' is an adverb and says where something is: on the outside. 'äußerlich' is an adjective and describes that something concerns only the outer appearance, the surface, or the body. In medicine, 'äußerlich' also means: apply only to the skin, do not ingest. Learners may confuse the words because both form an opposite to 'innen' or 'innerlich'. In practical terms: 'außen' is more likely to answer 'where?', while 'äußerlich' is more likely to describe 'how?' or 'what kind?'.
Äußerlich wirkt das Haus alt, aber innen ist es modern.
Outwardly, the house looks old, but inside it is modern.
Der Koffer ist außen zerkratzt, aber innen ist alles in Ordnung.
The suitcase is scratched on the outside, but inside everything is fine.