01
draußen
outside
Refers to a place outside an enclosed space, such as a house or a vehicle.
example
Die Kinder spielen draußen im Garten.
The children are playing outside in the garden.
draußen
outside / outdoors
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Static location
'Draußen' (outside) is an adverb of place and answers the question 'Wo?' (where?). It describes a position, not movement in a direction.
EXAMPLE
Wo ist der Hund? – Er ist draußen im Garten.
Where is the dog? – He is outside in the garden.
Word structure
The word 'draußen' (outside) is an old contraction of 'da' (there) and 'außen' (outside). It literally means 'at this place that is outside.'
EXAMPLE
Es ist so schön heute, lass uns draußen essen.
It's so beautiful today; let's eat outside.
Typical collocations
In everyday language, 'draußen' (outside) is often used with verbs of being or waiting. Typical phrases are 'draußen bleiben' (to stay outside), 'draußen warten' (to wait outside), or 'draußen vor der Tür stehen' (to stand outside in front of the door).
EXAMPLE
Bitte warten Sie einen Moment draußen, der Arzt kommt gleich.
Please wait outside for a moment; the doctor will be here shortly.
Context clue
When 'draußen' (outside/outdoors) is used in the context of hobbies, nature, or leisure activities like hiking or camping, it often means 'out in nature.' Additions like 'in den Bergen' (in the mountains) or 'im Wald' (in the forest) make this clear.
EXAMPLE
Ich liebe es, am Wochenende einfach nur draußen zu sein und die Natur zu genießen.
I love just being outdoors on the weekend and enjoying nature.
Compare with
draußen vs innerhalb
within / inside
'innerhalb' and 'draußen' can both have to do with a contrast between inside and outside. 'innerhalb' describes a place within the boundaries of something, for example within a building, a city, or a specific area. 'draußen' is an adverb and usually means outside an enclosed space or outdoors. They can be confused because both relate to a boundary. The difference is: 'innerhalb' usually needs a clear boundary, while 'draußen' simply says that someone or something is not in the room or building.
draußen
Nach dem Unterricht spielen die Kinder draußen auf dem Hof.
After class, the children play outside in the yard.
innerhalb
Innerhalb des Gebäudes darf man nicht rauchen.
Smoking is not allowed inside the building.
In real life
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