extern
external
Coming from outside, located outside a particular area, system, or organization.
EXAMPLE
Für das Projekt haben wir externe Berater engagiert.
We hired external consultants for the project.
extern
external
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Meanings
extern
external
In computer technology, refers to a device that is connected to a computer from the outside and is not built into the case.
EXAMPLE
Ich sichere meine Daten regelmäßig auf einer externen Festplatte.
I regularly back up my data on an external hard drive.
Usage tips
Sentence structure
'Extern' (external) can stand as an adjective before a noun and is then declined. But it can also stand unchanged after a noun or verb and then functions like an adverb.
EXAMPLE
Wir brauchen eine externe Perspektive auf das Problem.
We need an external perspective on the problem.
Typical collocations
In a company or organizational context, 'extern' (external) is often combined with people or services. Typical examples are: 'externe Berater' (external consultants), 'externe Mitarbeiter' (external employees), or 'eine externe Prüfung' (an external audit/examination).
EXAMPLE
Die Firma beauftragte eine externe Agentur für das Marketing.
The company hired an external agency for the marketing.
Typical collocations
In the technical field, 'extern' (external) describes devices that are connected to a computer. Common combinations are: 'externe Festplatte' (external hard drive), 'externes Laufwerk' (external drive), or 'externer Monitor' (external monitor).
EXAMPLE
Du solltest deine Fotos auf einer externen Festplatte sichern.
You should back up your photos on an external hard drive.
Context clue
The meaning of 'extern' (external) becomes clear from the context. If people are talking about companies, administration, or education, it usually means 'from outside the organization.' If people are talking about computers, it refers to a connected device.
EXAMPLE
Die Universität lässt die Prüfungen extern korrigieren.
The university has the exams graded externally.
Compare with
extern vs äußer
outer / external
Both words refer to something outside an inner area. äußer mainly describes a position on the outside or periphery, whereas extern emphasizes origin or affiliation outside a system or organization. äußer fits a position at the edge, while extern fits a provider from outside.
extern
Für das Projekt beauftragte die Firma einen externen Berater.
The company hired an external consultant for the project.
äußer
Wir wählten im Bus die äußeren Plätze nahe dem Fenster.
We chose the outer seats near the window on the bus.
In real life
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