01
äußern
to express
To put thoughts, feelings, opinions, or wishes into words and communicate them.
example
Er hat den Wunsch geäußert, früher nach Hause zu gehen.
He expressed the wish to go home earlier.
äußern
to express
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The verb 'äußern' (to express) is related to the adverb 'außen' (outside). It describes the action of bringing thoughts or feelings from the inside to the outside, that is, making them visible or audible.
EXAMPLE
Er äußert selten seine persönliche Meinung in der Gruppe.
He rarely expresses his personal opinion in the group.
Reflexive use
This verb is very often used reflexively as 'sich äußern' (to comment / to express oneself). Make sure to use the correct reflexive pronoun (mich, dich, sich, uns, euch, sich).
EXAMPLE
Ich möchte mich dazu jetzt nicht äußern.
I don't want to comment on that now.
Typical collocations
In this meaning, 'äußern' (to express) is often combined with nouns that describe an opinion or feeling. Typical combinations are: Kritik äußern (to express criticism), Bedenken äußern (to express concerns), einen Verdacht äußern (to voice a suspicion), or eine Vermutung äußern (to express an assumption).
EXAMPLE
Mehrere Mitarbeiter äußerten Bedenken gegen den neuen Plan.
Several employees expressed concerns about the new plan.
Correct preposition
When taking a position on a topic, you use the fixed expression 'sich zu etwas äußern' (to comment on something). The preposition 'zu' always takes the dative here.
EXAMPLE
Die Ministerin wird sich morgen zu den Gerüchten äußern.
The minister will comment on the rumors tomorrow.
Context clue
This meaning is typical of medicine or science. The subject of the sentence is usually an illness, a symptom, or a problem that becomes visible.
EXAMPLE
Eine Allergie kann sich durch Hautausschlag äußern.
An allergy can manifest itself through a skin rash.
Sentence structure with preposition
To describe the type of symptoms, the prepositions 'durch' (with accusative) or 'in' (with dative) are used. Both are possible and have a similar meaning.
EXAMPLE
Seine Nervosität äußerte sich durch zitternde Hände.
His nervousness manifested itself through trembling hands.
Compare with
äußern vs sagen
to say
'sagen' and 'äußern' both mean that thoughts or opinions are put into words. 'sagen' is the simple and common word for almost any spoken or written statement. 'äußern' sounds somewhat more formal and fits especially well with opinions, wishes, feelings, or criticism. 'sich äußern' is also used when someone comments on a topic or takes a position on it. In normal conversation, 'sagen' is often more natural. When it is about a deliberate opinion or an official statement, 'äußern' is more precise.
äußern
Bei der Besprechung äußert sie den Wunsch, das Budget noch einmal zu prüfen.
At the meeting, she expresses the wish to review the budget again.
sagen
Sie sagt am Bahnhof, dass der Zug später kommt.
At the train station, she says that the train is coming later.
In real life
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