der Ausflug
excursion
A short trip or outing, usually taken for pleasure and often lasting only one day.
EXAMPLE
Am Wochenende machen wir einen Ausflug an den See.
At the weekend, we're taking an excursion to the lake.
der Ausflug
excursion / digression
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Meanings
der Ausflug
digression
A brief thematic digression from a main topic in a conversation, text, or lecture.
EXAMPLE
Nach diesem kurzen Ausflug in die Geschichte kehren wir nun zum eigentlichen Thema zurück.
After this brief digression into history, we will now return to the actual topic.
Usage tips
Word composition
The word 'Ausflug' (excursion/digression) is composed of 'aus' (out) and 'Flug' (flight). Figuratively, it describes that you 'fly out' of everyday life for a short time in order to experience something pleasant.
EXAMPLE
Für Sonntag ist ein Ausflug in die Berge geplant.
An excursion to the mountains is planned for Sunday.
Typical collocations
An 'Ausflug' (excursion) is typically 'gemacht' (made/done). So you say 'einen Ausflug machen' (to take an excursion). The destination is often indicated with prepositions such as 'an', 'in', or 'zu'.
EXAMPLE
Lass uns am Samstag einen Ausflug an den Badesee machen.
Let's take an excursion to the swimming lake on Saturday.
Context clue
You can recognize this figurative meaning by the fact that it is not about a place, but about a topic. Signal words include 'Geschichte' (history), 'Philosophie' (philosophy), or 'Thema' (topic).
EXAMPLE
Der Professor machte einen kurzen Ausflug in die römische Geschichte.
The professor made a brief digression into Roman history.
Register and style
The meaning 'Abschweifung' (digression) is mainly used in written language, in lectures, or in formal discussions. In normal everyday conversation, it is rather rare.
EXAMPLE
Bevor wir zum Hauptpunkt kommen, gestatten Sie mir einen kleinen Ausflug in die Statistik.
Before we come to the main point, allow me a small digression into statistics.
Compare with
Ausflug vs Reise
journey / trip
Reise and Ausflug both refer to a temporary change of location. A Reise can last longer and include a longer stay. An Ausflug is typically short, is usually for pleasure, and often ends with returning home that same day.
Ausflug
Am Sonntag machen wir einen Ausflug an die Nordsee und kehren abends zurück.
On Sunday, we are taking a day trip to the North Sea and returning in the evening.
Reise
Im Sommer machen wir eine zweiwöchige Reise an die Nordsee.
In summer, we are taking a two-week trip to the North Sea.
In real life
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