01
der Ausgang
exit
A way or door through which one can leave a building or room; an exit.
example
Der Notausgang befindet sich am Ende des Ganges.
The emergency exit is located at the end of the corridor.
der Ausgang
exit / outcome
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
'Der Ausgang' (the exit/outcome) is the noun related to the verb 'ausgehen' (to go out/to turn out). The basic idea of 'going out' explains several meanings: the door through which one goes out (exit), the result that comes out of something, and the starting point from which one proceeds.
EXAMPLE
Wir wissen nicht, wie die Sache ausgehen wird.
We don't know how the matter will turn out.
Prepositions: place & direction
With the meaning 'exit', the preposition is important. 'Am Ausgang' (at the exit) describes a location, while 'zum Ausgang' (to the exit) indicates a direction.
EXAMPLE
Wir treffen uns in zehn Minuten am Ausgang.
We'll meet in ten minutes at the exit.
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'outcome', 'Ausgang' is often combined with events whose ending is uncertain. Typical phrases are 'der Ausgang der Wahl' (the outcome of the election), 'der Ausgang des Spiels' (the outcome of the game), or 'der Ausgang des Verfahrens' (the outcome of the proceedings).
EXAMPLE
Der positive Ausgang der Verhandlungen war eine große Erleichterung.
The positive outcome of the negotiations was a great relief.
Register and context
The meaning 'going out in the evening' is somewhat formal or old-fashioned. Today it is used mainly in a military context, when soldiers receive permission to leave the barracks ('Ausgang haben' — to have leave).
EXAMPLE
Der Soldat freute sich, weil er am Wochenende Ausgang hatte.
The soldier was happy because he had leave on the weekend.
Fixed expression
In the meaning 'starting point', the fixed expression 'seinen Ausgang nehmen' (to have its starting point/to originate) is often used. It describes where a development or chain of events began.
EXAMPLE
Die Diskussion nahm ihren Ausgang bei einer einfachen Frage.
The discussion had its starting point in a simple question.
Compare with
Ausgang vs Ende
end
'das Ende' and 'der Ausgang' can both have to do with the end of a situation. 'das Ende' refers more to the final point: something is over. 'der Ausgang' refers more to the outcome: you ask how something turns out, for example an argument, a game, or a negotiation. Learners may confuse the words because both come after the course of something. If you mean the end as a point in time, 'Ende' fits. If you mean the result, 'Ausgang' fits.
Ausgang
Der Ausgang des Spiels bleibt bis zur letzten Minute offen.
The outcome of the game remains uncertain until the last minute.
Ende
Das Ende der Besprechung kam früher als erwartet.
The end of the meeting came earlier than expected.
In real life
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