01
ausgefallen
unusual
Unusual, extravagant, original, or not everyday.
example
Zu ihrem Geburtstag wünscht sie sich ein wirklich ausgefallenes Geschenk.
For her birthday, she wants a really unusual gift.
ausgefallen
unusual / canceled
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Origin of the word
'Ausgefallen' (unusual / canceled) is the past participle of the separable verb 'ausfallen' (to be canceled / to fail). The two very different meanings of the adjective come directly from the meanings of the verb: something 'fällt aus' (is canceled / does not take place) or 'fällt aus dem Rahmen' (stands out / is unusual).
EXAMPLE
Morgen fällt die erste Stunde aus.
Tomorrow the first class is canceled.
Context clue: sentence position
You can often recognize the meaning from the position in the sentence. If 'ausgefallen' comes before a noun, it means 'unusual'. If it stands alone after the verb, usually 'sein' (to be), it means 'canceled'.
EXAMPLE
Er hat einen sehr ausgefallenen Modegeschmack.
He has a very unusual fashion sense.
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'unusual', 'ausgefallen' often describes things such as: 'ein ausgefallenes Geschenk' (an unusual gift), 'ein ausgefallenes Hobby' (an unusual hobby), 'ausgefallene Kleidung' (unusual clothing), or 'ein ausgefallenes Design' (an unusual design).
EXAMPLE
Sie sucht ein ausgefallenes Restaurant für ihren Geburtstag.
She is looking for an unusual restaurant for her birthday.
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'canceled', the word is used for appointments and events. Typically, 'der Unterricht' (class), 'ein Zug' (a train), 'eine Veranstaltung' (an event), 'ein Flug' (a flight), or 'der Strom' (the power) can be 'ausgefallen' (canceled / out / failed).
EXAMPLE
Wegen des Sturms ist gestern Abend der Strom ausgefallen.
Because of the storm, the power went out yesterday evening.
Compare with
ausgefallen vs normal
normal
'normal' and 'ausgefallen' are opposites when talking about style, ideas, or things that are more or less everyday. 'normal' is ordinary and does not stand out in any special way. 'ausgefallen' is unusual, original, or somewhat extravagant. The word can sound positive, for example with clothing, food, or an idea. What matters here is not the meaning 'canceled', but the meaning 'not everyday'.
ausgefallen
Sie hat zur Feier ein ausgefallenes Kleid mit vielen bunten Mustern getragen.
She wore an unusual dress with many colorful patterns to the celebration.
normal
Für das Training reicht morgen ein normales T-Shirt.
A normal T-shirt will be enough for training tomorrow.
In real life
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