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.
excursion
A short outing or educational trip for a specific purpose. This meaning is less common and is often replaced by the word 'Exkursion' (excursion).
Die Biologieklasse unternahm einen Exkurs ins nahegelegene Moor, um die Pflanzenwelt zu studieren.
The biology class went on an excursion to the nearby moor to study the plant life.
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
Both Ausflug and Exkurs can refer to a brief digression from a main topic. Exkurs is the more factual term and is particularly established in lectures or texts, while Ausflug sounds figurative and more casual. Use Exkurs in a technical presentation and Ausflug in a casual explanation.
Sein kurzer Exkurs in die Geschichte machte den wissenschaftlichen Vortrag für alle verständlicher.
His brief digression into history made the academic lecture easier for everyone to understand.
Sein kurzer Ausflug in die Geschichte machte den Vortrag für alle verständlicher.
His brief digression into history made the presentation easier for everyone to understand.
