außerhalb
outside
As a preposition with the genitive: indicates a place that is not within a certain area, boundary, or space.
EXAMPLE
Das Festival findet etwas außerhalb der Stadt statt.
The festival takes place a little outside the city.
außerhalb
outside
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Meanings
außerhalb
outside
As a preposition with the genitive: indicates a time that does not fall within a set period.
EXAMPLE
Bitte kontaktieren Sie uns nur außerhalb der Geschäftszeiten in dringenden Notfällen.
Please contact us outside business hours only in urgent emergencies.
außerhalb
outside
As an adverb: on the outside; outdoors.
EXAMPLE
Innen war alles still, doch außerhalb tobte der Sturm.
Inside everything was quiet, but outside the storm was raging.
Usage tips
Word structure
The word is made up of 'außer' (outside/except) and 'halb' (half). So it literally describes the position on the 'outer half' or side of something.
EXAMPLE
Wir wohnen außerhalb des Stadtzentrums.
We live outside the city center.
Preposition with genitive
When 'außerhalb' (outside) is used as a preposition, it formally requires the genitive. This applies to both place and time expressions.
EXAMPLE
Das Parken ist außerhalb des Geländes verboten.
Parking is prohibited outside the premises.
Colloquial use with dative
In spoken language, the genitive is often avoided. Instead, 'außerhalb' (outside) is frequently combined with 'von' and the dative, for example 'außerhalb von der Stadt' (outside the city).
EXAMPLE
Wir haben uns außerhalb von dem Café getroffen.
We met outside the café.
Preposition vs. adverb
You can easily distinguish the uses: as a preposition, 'außerhalb' (outside) comes before a noun (e.g. 'außerhalb des Hauses' = outside the house). As an adverb, it stands alone and refers to the location of what is happening (e.g. 'Wir warten außerhalb.' = We are waiting outside.).
EXAMPLE
Bitte warten Sie außerhalb des Sprechzimmers.
Please wait outside the consultation room.
Compare with
außerhalb vs draußen
outside / outdoors
Außerhalb and draußen can both refer to a place outdoors. Draußen is the usual standalone expression for a place outside a building. Außerhalb emphasizes more that something is beyond a known or stated boundary.
außerhalb
Der Lieferwagen wartet außerhalb, direkt hinter dem Werktor.
The delivery van is outside, directly behind the factory gate.
draußen
Die Kinder warten draußen vor dem Gebäude.
The children are waiting outside the building.
In real life
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