der Ausgangspunkt
starting point
The place where a movement, journey, or action begins.
EXAMPLE
Unser Hotel war ein guter Ausgangspunkt für Ausflüge in die Umgebung.
Our hotel was a good starting point for trips into the surrounding area.
der Ausgangspunkt
starting point
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Meanings
der Ausgangspunkt
starting point
The foundation or basis for a line of thought, a discussion, or a development.
EXAMPLE
Der Ausgangspunkt unserer Diskussion war die Frage der Finanzierung.
The starting point of our discussion was the question of funding.
Usage tips
Word composition
The word is made up of 'der Ausgang' (the exit / starting point) and 'der Punkt' (the point). So it literally describes the point where something takes its course, that is, begins.
EXAMPLE
Der Parkplatz ist der Ausgangspunkt für viele Wanderwege.
The parking lot is the starting point for many hiking trails.
Fixed preposition
'Ausgangspunkt' (starting point) is very often used with the preposition 'für' (for) and the accusative to describe the goal or purpose of the beginning.
EXAMPLE
Dieser Gedanke war der Ausgangspunkt für seine gesamte Theorie.
This thought was the starting point for his entire theory.
Context clue
The meaning can easily be inferred from context. If it is about places, journeys, or routes, the spatial meaning is intended. If it is about ideas, discussions, or developments, the abstract, thematic meaning is intended.
EXAMPLE
Der Bahnhof ist ein zentraler Ausgangspunkt für Reisende.
The train station is a central starting point for travelers.
Compare with
Ausgangspunkt vs Grundlage
basis / foundation
Grundlage and Ausgangspunkt can both refer to what a line of thought is based on. The Grundlage carries or supports the argument that follows. Ausgangspunkt, by contrast, emphasizes the conceptual beginning from which the line of thought proceeds.
Ausgangspunkt
Die Frage nach den hohen Kosten ist der Ausgangspunkt unserer Diskussion.
The question of the high costs is the starting point of our discussion.
Grundlage
Die gesammelten Daten bilden die Grundlage unserer Diskussion.
The collected data form the basis of our discussion.
In real life
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