das  Ausweichmanöver

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈaʊsˌvaɪçmaˌnøːvɐ/

🚗 What exactly is an Ausweichmanöver?

An Ausweichmanöver (noun, neuter) describes an action where the direction of movement is quickly changed to avoid a collision, obstacle, or danger. It's often used in the context of vehicles (Autos, Schiffe, Flugzeuge), but can also be applied figuratively to strategic or social situations.

• Literal meaning: A sudden change of direction to avoid a collision (e.g., in road traffic - im Straßenverkehr).
• Figurative meaning: A tactical action to evade an unpleasant situation, a question, or a confrontation (eine Konfrontation).

🚨 There is only one article, 'das', for this word. The meaning is quite clear and always refers to some form of evasion or dodging.

🧐 Grammar under the Microscope: Das Ausweichmanöver

The word "Ausweichmanöver" is a neuter noun (sächlich). It follows the strong declension pattern.

Example Sentences

1. Der Fahrer musste ein schnelles Ausweichmanöver machen, um dem Reh auszuweichen.
   (The driver had to make a quick evasive maneuver to avoid the deer.)
2. Dank des gekonnten Ausweichmanövers des Kapitäns wurde eine Kollision verhindert.
   (Thanks to the captain's skillful evasive maneuver, a collision was prevented.)
3. Seine Antwort war ein klares Ausweichmanöver, um die direkte Frage nicht beantworten zu müssen.
   (His answer was a clear evasive maneuver to avoid having to answer the direct question.)
4. Solche Ausweichmanöver sind im dichten Stadtverkehr leider alltäglich.
   (Such evasive maneuvers are unfortunately commonplace in dense city traffic.)

💡 Everyday Application: When to use Ausweichmanöver?

The word "Ausweichmanöver" is mostly used in situations requiring a sudden, reactive movement to avoid something undesirable.

• Verkehr (Traffic): Very common in connection with cars, bicycles, ships, or planes avoiding obstacles or other road users.
• Sport: Sometimes in sports, e.g., skiing or team sports, to dodge opponents.
• Militär/Sicherheit (Military/Security): Tactical maneuvers by vehicles or individuals to evade attacks or dangers.
• Figurativ/Sozial (Figurative/Social): When someone avoids a question, responsibility, or an uncomfortable discussion. ("Sein ständiges Themenwechseln ist ein reines Ausweichmanöver." - His constant changing of the subject is purely an evasive maneuver.)

Comparison: While "Ausweichen" describes the action itself, "Ausweichmanöver" emphasizes the conscious, often more complex or technically demanding nature of the movement, similar to how "Manöver" generally implies a planned movement.

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Remembering the Article: Think of das Auto (the car) or das Schiff (the ship) – vehicles that typically perform das Ausweichmanöver. Neuter technology -> neuter article 'das'.

Remembering the Meaning: The word consists of "Ausweich-" (like ausweichen, to evade/dodge) and "-manöver" (a planned movement/maneuver). So: A planned movement to dodge or evade.

🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms

⚠️ Be careful to distinguish it from "Manöver" in general, which can also describe planned, non-evasive movements (e.g., a Parkmanöver - parking maneuver, a militärisches Manöver - military maneuver).

😂 A Little Joke

German: Fragt der Fahrlehrer den Schüler nach einer Beinahe-Kollision: "War das gerade Absicht oder ein neues Ausweichmanöver namens 'Augen-zu-und-durch'?"

English: The driving instructor asks the student after a near-collision: "Was that intentional just now, or a new evasive maneuver called 'Close-your-eyes-and-go-for-it'?"

📜 A Short Poem

German:
Die Straße eng, Gefahr voraus,
Ein schnelles Lenken, welch ein Graus.
Das Auto zuckt, weicht geschickt aus,
Das Ausweichmanöver – Applaus, Applaus!

English:
The road is tight, danger ahead,
A quick turn of the wheel, filled with dread.
The car it jerks, skillfully swerves past,
The evasive maneuver – applause, aghast!

❓ Riddle Time

German:
Ich bin kein Tänzer, doch ich schwenke schnell zur Seit'.
Im Verkehr und manchmal im verbalen Streit.
Ich verhindere oft den großen Knall.
Was bin ich wohl, sag's auf jeden Fall?

English:
I'm not a dancer, but I quickly swerve aside.
In traffic, and sometimes where verbal battles ride.
I often prevent the big bang's sound.
What am I, tell me, all around?

Solution: das Ausweichmanöver

🧩 Other Info: Word Components

The word "Ausweichmanöver" is a compound noun (ein Kompositum), composed of:

• ausweichen: Verb, meaning 'to evade or dodge something or someone by moving aside'.
• das Manöver: Noun, neuter, meaning 'planned, often skillful movement or action' (from French 'manœuvre').

Together, they form the meaning of a movement or action for the purpose of evasion.