01
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
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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
'die Reise' and 'der Ausflug' can both mean that you travel or go to another place. 'Reise' is more general and often longer, for example several days or to another country. 'Ausflug' is usually short, often just for one day, and is usually done for fun or relaxation. The words can be confusing because an 'Ausflug' can be a small 'Reise'. If you come back in the evening, 'Ausflug' often sounds more natural; for a greater distance or a longer period of time, 'Reise' fits better.
Ausflug
Nach dem Unterricht plant die Klasse einen Ausflug ins Museum.
After class, the class is planning an outing to the museum.
Reise
Unsere Reise nach Spanien dauert zehn Tage.
Our trip to Spain lasts ten days.
In real life
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