das  Außenministerium

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈaʊsn̩ˌmɪnistɛʁiʊm/

🌍 What Exactly is 'das Außenministerium'?

The German word das Außenministerium refers to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Foreign Office of a country. It's the primary government department responsible for managing foreign policy and diplomatic relations with other nations and international organizations. It is headed by a Foreign Minister (Außenminister / Außenministerin).

In Germany, the official name is Auswärtiges Amt, but the term „Außenministerium“ is often used synonymously and is perhaps more readily understood internationally.

It always takes the neuter article: das Außenministerium. The word ends in „-ium“, which often (but not always!) indicates a neuter noun in German (like das Museum, das Stadium, das Aquarium). ⚠️ Remember this pattern!

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar Spotlight: Das Außenministerium

The noun „Außenministerium“ is neuter. Here’s how it declines (changes form depending on its grammatical case):

💡 Example Sentences

1. Der Sprecher des Außenministeriums gab eine Erklärung ab.
   (The spokesperson of the Foreign Ministry made a statement.)
2. Die Delegation besuchte das Außenministerium in Berlin.
   (The delegation visited the Foreign Ministry in Berlin.)
3. Die Zusammenarbeit der Außenministerien beider Länder wurde verstärkt.
   (The cooperation of the Foreign Ministries of both countries was strengthened.)

🌐 How and When to Use "Außenministerium"

The term das Außenministerium is primarily used in contexts related to politics, international relations, and news reporting. It designates the government body responsible for a nation's foreign policy.

• Official vs. Common Usage: In Germany, the official name is „Auswärtiges Amt“. However, „Außenministerium“ is a common and easily understood term often used in the media or general conversation. In Austria and Switzerland, „Außenministerium“ is the standard term.
• Context: You talk about the Außenministerium when discussing diplomatic negotiations, international treaties, travel warnings, or the country's representation abroad.
• Distinction: It should be clearly distinguished from the Innenministerium (Ministry of the Interior), which is responsible for domestic security and administration.

Example: „Das Außenministerium warnt vor Reisen in die Krisenregion.“ (The Foreign Ministry warns against travelling to the crisis region.)

🧠 Mnemonics to Help Remember

Mnemonic for the Article (das):

Think of government ministries as places like a large 'Museum' or 'Stadium'. Words ending in -ium in German are often neuter: das Ministerium, therefore das Außenministerium.

Mnemonic for the Meaning:

Break it down: Außen means 'outside' or 'abroad'. The Außen-Ministerium deals with everything outside the country's borders – its foreign relations.

↔️ Similar and Opposite Terms

Related Terms (Thematic):

• Botschaft: Embassy.
• Konsulat: Consulate.
• Diplomatie: Diplomacy.
• Außenpolitik: Foreign Policy.

😂 A Little Joke

Warum arbeiten Diplomaten im Außenministerium gerne im Erdgeschoss?

Damit sie immer auf dem Laufenden sind, was auf internationalem Parkett passiert! 😉

--- English Translation ---

Why do diplomats at the Foreign Ministry like working on the ground floor?

So they can always keep up with what's happening on the international stage (literally: on the international parquet floor)! 😉

📜 A Little Poem

Im Außenministerium, klug und gewandt,
\Pflegt man Kontakte zu jedem Land.
\Mit Diplomatie und gutem Wort,
\Vertritt man Deutschland an fernem Ort.
\Das Haus der Politik, nach außen gekehrt,
\Wo Frieden und Handel werden geehrt.

--- English Translation ---

In the Foreign Ministry, clever and skilled,
\Contacts are nurtured with every land fulfilled.
\With diplomacy and words so right,
\Germany's represented, day and night.
\The house of politics, facing afar,
\Where peace and trade are the guiding star.

❓ Riddle Time

Ich habe keinen Pass, doch reise viel im Geist,
\Bin eine Behörde, wie ihr sicher wisst.
\Ich pflege Freundschaft, manchmal auch den Streit,
\Mit Ländern nah und fern, zu jeder Zeit.
\Mein Name sagt, ich schaue übern Zaun,
\Bin für die Welt da, statt nur für den Heimatraum.
\Mein Artikel ist sächlich, merkt es euch gut!

Wer bin ich?

--- English Translation ---

I have no passport, yet travel far in mind,
\I am an authority, as you surely find.
\I nurture friendship, sometimes manage strife,
\With countries near and far, throughout my life.
\My name suggests I look beyond the fence you see,
\Existing for the world, not just domestically.
\My article is neuter, remember it, you should!

What am I?

Solution: Das Außenministerium (The Foreign Ministry)

✨ Other Interesting Details

Word Composition

The word „Außenministerium“ is a compound noun, made up of:

• Außen: Adverb/prefix meaning 'outside', 'external', 'foreign'.
• Ministerium: Ministry, a high-level government department, often derived from Latin „ministerium“ (service, office).

Trivia

The building of the Auswärtiges Amt (Foreign Office) in Berlin has a long and varied history. Parts of it previously belonged to the Reichsbank during the Nazi era and later housed the Central Committee of the SED (Socialist Unity Party) in the GDR (East Germany).