das  Äußern

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈɔʏsɐn/

🗣️ What exactly is "das Äußern"?

Das Äußern is the nominalization (making a noun) of the verb äußern (to express, to utter). It refers to the act of expressing something, of voicing, or the thing being expressed itself (a remark, an opinion, a feeling).

It represents an action or the result of that action. The focus is on the process of speaking or communicating.

Since it's derived from a verb (nominalized infinitive), the article is always das. It is typically used in the singular.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📜 Grammar under the Microscope: Das Äußern

"Das Äußern" is a nominalized infinitive. Such nouns in German are always neuter and therefore take the article das. They describe the action of the verb as a noun.

It is almost exclusively used in the singular. A plural form is uncommon.

Declension (Singular)

💡 Example Sentences

1. Das wiederholte Äußern von Kritik führte zu einer Diskussion.
   (The repeated expressing of criticism led to a discussion.)
2. Ihm fiel das Äußern seiner Gefühle schwer.
   (Expressing his feelings was difficult for him.)
3. Vermeiden Sie unüberlegtes Äußern in dieser Situation.
   (Avoid thoughtless utterances / expressing yourself thoughtlessly in this situation.)

💬 How to use "das Äußern"?

"Das Äußern" is often used when you want to emphasize the act of speaking or expressing itself, frequently in a somewhat more formal or abstract context.

• Emphasizing the process: Instead of saying "Er äußerte Kritik" (He expressed criticism), you could say "Sein Äußern von Kritik war deutlich." (His expressing of criticism / His utterance of criticism was clear.) Here, the focus is on the act of expressing.
• In combination with genitive or prepositions: It often appears with a genitive object (das Äußern der Meinung - the expressing of the opinion) or prepositions (beim Äußern von Bedenken - when expressing concerns).
• Distinction from the verb: While äußern (verb) describes the action (Ich äußere mich - I express myself), das Äußern (noun) describes the action as a concept or event.

⚠️ Be careful: Don't confuse it with the adjective äußerlich (external) or the adverb äußerst (extremely).

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

For the article "das": Nominalized verbs (like Laufen - running, Sprechen - speaking, Äußern - expressing) are like neutral 'actions' or 'concepts', so they need das. Think: Das Tun (the doing), das Sagen (the saying), das Äußern (the expressing).

For the meaning: Think of bringing something 'out' (außen in German sounds similar) when you äußern it. Äußern is making thoughts or feelings 'external'.

↔️ Opposites and Similarities: Das Äußern

Similar words (potential for confusion):

• äußerlich (adjective): relates to the exterior/outside, not to speaking.
• äußerst (adverb): means 'very' or 'extremely'.

😂 A Little Joke

Warum ist das Äußern von Geheimnissen wie ein Niesen?

(Why is expressing secrets like a sneeze?)

Man versucht es zurückzuhalten, aber irgendwann muss es einfach raus!

(You try to hold it back, but eventually, it just has to come out!) 😉

✒️ Poem about Expressing

Gedanken tief, oft ungesagt,
das Äußern manchmal Mut verlangt.
Ein Wort, ein Satz, tritt in die Welt,
das Schweigen bricht, ein neues Feld.

(Thoughts deep, often unsaid,
expressing sometimes demands courage.
A word, a sentence, enters the world,
silence breaks, a new field.)

Ob Freude, Kummer, klar und rein,
das Äußern lässt uns ehrlich sein.
Ein wichtiger Akt, für dich und mich,
es schafft Verbindung, sicherlich.

(Whether joy, sorrow, clear and pure,
expressing lets us be honest.
An important act, for you and me,
it creates connection, surely.)

❓ Little Riddle

Ich bin ein Tun, doch auch ein Ding,
mit 'das' ich stets durchs Leben schwing'.
Ich bringe Gedanken an das Licht,
manchmal kurz, manchmal als Gedicht.
Was bin ich?

(I am an action, yet also a thing,
with 'das' I always swing through life.
I bring thoughts to light,
sometimes short, sometimes as a poem.

What am I?)

... Das Äußern (The act of expressing / The utterance)

🧩 Other Information

Word Formation:

• Base: The verb äußern (to express, say).
• Process: Nominalization of the infinitive. The infinitive äußern is capitalized and combined with the article das to form the noun das Äußern.

Related Words:

• die Äußerung (noun): Refers more concretely to what was expressed (a specific statement or remark). While 'das Äußern' tends to describe the process or act, 'die Äußerung' is often the result. (e.g., 'eine politische Äußerung' - a political statement).
• äußerlich (adjective): Referring to the outside or exterior.
• äußerst (adverb): Superlative of 'außen', meaning 'extremely', 'very'.