digression / excursion
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digression
A brief thematic digression within a lecture, text, or conversation that deals with a side topic in order to deepen or illustrate a point.
In seinem Vortrag machte der Professor einen kurzen Exkurs in die Geschichte der Philosophie.
In his lecture, the professor made a brief digression into the history of philosophy.
The word 'Exkurs' (digression / excursion) is closely related to 'Exkursion' (excursion). Both come from the Latin word for 'Ausflug' (outing) or 'Abschweifung' (digression), which explains the two German meanings well.
Eine Exkursion ist ein geplanter Ausflug, ein Exkurs ist eine gedankliche Abschweifung.
An 'Exkursion' is a planned outing; an 'Exkurs' is a digression in thought.
In the meaning of 'Abschweifung' (digression), 'Exkurs' is very often used with the verb 'machen' (to make/do): 'einen Exkurs machen' (to make a digression).
Erlauben Sie mir einen kurzen Exkurs zu diesem Thema.
Allow me a brief digression on this topic.
The word 'Exkurs' (digression) is mainly used in formal, written, or academic contexts, such as in lectures, books, or academic papers.
Der Autor fügt an dieser Stelle einen Exkurs über die damalige Gesellschaft ein.
At this point, the author inserts a digression about the society of that time.
The meaning 'Ausflug' (outing/excursion) is rare today. When referring to an educational trip, the word 'Exkursion' (excursion) is usually used. 'Exkurs' in this meaning is found almost only in older or very formal texts.
Der geplante Exkurs des Seminars führt uns zum Römermuseum.
The planned excursion for the seminar takes us to the Roman museum.
excursion / digression
'der Ausflug' and 'der Exkurs' can both have to do with a short move away from the main topic. In everyday language, 'Ausflug' usually means a short trip or outing. In a conversation or text, however, it can also mean a brief digression. 'Exkurs' is used mainly for a deliberate digression in a lecture, text, or conversation, when a side topic is briefly explained. As an actual trip, 'Exkurs' is rare; people usually say 'Exkursion' or 'Ausflug' for that. The confusion arises because both can express moving away from the main point. For leisure activities, 'Ausflug' almost always fits; for a side topic, 'Exkurs' fits better.
Im Vortrag gab es einen kurzen Exkurs zur Geschichte des Internets.
The lecture included a brief digression on the history of the internet.
Morgen macht sie mit ihrer Familie einen Ausflug in die Berge.
Tomorrow she is taking an excursion to the mountains with her family.