01
außen
outside
On the outside of something; not inside.
example
Das Paket hat außen eine Adresse, aber innen war es leer.
The package has an address on the outside, but inside it was empty.
außen
outside
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Adverb of position
'Außen' (outside) is an adverb of place and answers the question 'Wo?' (Where?). It describes a static position, not movement.
EXAMPLE
Bitte warten Sie außen vor der Tür.
Please wait outside in front of the door.
Combination with prepositions
'Außen' (outside) is often combined with prepositions to indicate origin or direction. 'Von außen' (from the outside) describes where something comes from, and 'nach außen' (outward/to the outside) describes a direction or orientation.
EXAMPLE
Das Haus sieht von außen sehr alt aus.
The house looks very old from the outside.
Word formation
'Außen' (outside/exterior) serves as the first part of many compound words. Examples are 'die Außenseite' (the outside), 'die Außentemperatur' (the outside temperature), or 'die Außenpolitik' (foreign policy).
EXAMPLE
Die Außentemperatur beträgt nur fünf Grad.
The outside temperature is only five degrees.
Compare with
außen vs innerhalb
within / inside
'innerhalb' and 'außen' both describe where something is in relation to a boundary or surface. 'innerhalb' means: something is located within the boundaries of an area, for example within a building, garden, or plan. 'außen' means the other side: on the outside or not inside. The grammar is also important: 'innerhalb' is usually used with a noun in the genitive, for example 'innerhalb des Hauses' (within the house). 'außen' is used as an adverb, often without a noun.
außen
Die Tasche ist außen nass, aber innen noch trocken.
The bag is wet on the outside, but still dry inside.
innerhalb
Innerhalb des Gartens wachsen viele alte Bäume.
Many old trees grow within the garden.
In real life
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