der  Ausdruck

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈʔaʊsˌdʁʊk/

🧐 What Exactly is 'der Ausdruck'?

Der Ausdruck (masculine) is a versatile German word with several meanings:

• Expression / Phrasing: The way something is said or written; a phrase or a specific term. Example: Sein Ausdruck war sehr gewählt. (His choice of words/expression was very sophisticated.) Das ist ein treffender Ausdruck dafür. (That's a fitting expression for it.)
• Facial Expression / Look: The visible manifestation of feelings on the face. Example: Sie hatte einen besorgten Ausdruck im Gesicht. (She had a worried expression on her face.)
• Term (Mathematics, Logic, IT): A formally defined term or variable within a system. Example: In der Gleichung x + y = 5 sind 'x' und 'y' Ausdrücke. (In the equation x + y = 5, 'x' and 'y' are terms/expressions.)
• Printout (Computer): The result of a document printed on paper from a computer. Example: Könntest du mir bitte einen Ausdruck dieser E-Mail machen? (Could you please make a printout of this email for me?)

🚨 Important: Although there are different meanings, the article is always der.

📝 Grammar of 'der Ausdruck' in Detail

The noun der Ausdruck is masculine. Here is its declension:

Singular Declension

Plural Declension

Example Sentences

• (Phrasing) Dieser Ausdruck ist veraltet. (This expression is outdated.)
• (Facial Expression) Sein fröhlicher Ausdruck steckte alle an. (His cheerful expression was infectious.)
• (Term) Vereinfachen Sie den folgenden mathematischen Ausdruck. (Simplify the following mathematical expression/term.)
• (Printout) Ich brauche einen farbigen Ausdruck des Berichts. (I need a color printout of the report.)

💡 How to Use 'Ausdruck'?

The use of der Ausdruck heavily depends on the context:

• In a linguistic context, it refers to a specific choice of words or phrasing ("ein passender Ausdruck" - a suitable expression). It's more specific than 'Wort' (word) and can also be a phrase.
• In a social context, it describes facial expressions ("ein trauriger Ausdruck" - a sad expression).
• In formal/technical fields like mathematics or programming, it's a strictly defined term ("ein logischer Ausdruck" - a logical expression).
• In the office or when dealing with printers, it refers to the physical paper document ("der Ausdruck liegt auf dem Tisch" - the printout is on the table).

Distinction from similar words:

• Wort: Smallest linguistic unit. Der Ausdruck can encompass multiple words.
• Begriff: More the abstract idea or concept behind a word/expression.
• Satz: A complete grammatical unit (sentence). Der Ausdruck is usually part of a sentence.
• Eindruck: The impression something makes on someone (e.g., der erste Eindruck - the first impression). Don't confuse them!

🧠 Mnemonics for 'der Ausdruck'

Article Mnemonic: Think of the English word 'dour' (stern, severe). Someone with a 'dour' expression might need 'der' Ausdruck. Or imagine needing pressure ('Druck' in German, which is masculine: 'der Druck') to get your 'expression' (Ausdruck) out. Der Druck, der Ausdruck.

Meaning Mnemonic: Picture someone 'pressing OUT' ('aus-drücken') their feelings on their face (facial expression), 'pressing OUT' words (linguistic expression), 'pressing OUT' a paper from a printer (printout), and 'pressing OUT' a formula on a board (mathematical expression/term). 'Pressing out' connects to 'Aus-druck'.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Similar Words:

• Der Eindruck: The impression something or someone makes (e.g., der erste Eindruck - the first impression). Sounds similar but means something different!

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Lehrer: "Fritzchen, was ist der Unterschied zwischen einem Ausdruck und einem Eindruck?"
Fritzchen: "Wenn ich dem Direktor meine Meinung sage, ist das mein Ausdruck. Wenn er mir danach eine reinhaut, ist das sein Eindruck!"

Translation:
The teacher asks: "Fritzchen, what's the difference between an 'Ausdruck' (expression) and an 'Eindruck' (impression)?"
Fritzchen: "When I tell the principal my opinion, that's my expression (Ausdruck). When he slaps me afterwards, that's his impression (Eindruck)!" (Pun: 'Eindruck' can also imply making a physical dent/impression).

📜 A Poem About 'der Ausdruck'

Ein Wort, geflüstert oder laut,
Ein Blick, der tief ins Innre schaut,
Auf Papier, als Code, als Zahl –
Der Ausdruck zeigt sich überall.

Mal klar und kühl, mal voller Glut,
Er spiegelt Wandel, Zorn und Mut.
Ein Lächeln zart, ein Satz so scharf,
Ein jeder braucht ihn, wenn er darf.

Translation:
A word, whispered or aloud,
A look that deeply sees inside,
On paper, as code, as number's shroud –
The expression shows itself worldwide.

Sometimes clear and cool, sometimes full of fire,
It mirrors change, anger, and desire.
A gentle smile, a sentence sharp,
Everyone needs it, when allowed to harp.

🧩 Who or What Am I?

Ich kann ein Wort sein oder eine Miene,
Manchmal komm' ich aus einer Maschine.
Mathematiker nutzen mich gern,
Ich bin dir nah und doch so fern.
Mein Artikel ist männlich, merk's dir gut!

Wer bin ich?
Lösung: der Ausdruck

Translation:
I can be a word or a facial feature,
Sometimes I come out of a machine creature.
Mathematicians like using me, my friend,
I am close to you, yet distant in the end.
My article is masculine, remember it right!

Who am I?
Solution: der Ausdruck (expression, term, printout)

🤓 More Tidbits

Word Composition:

The word Ausdruck is composed of the prefix aus- (out, from inside to outside) and the noun Druck (pressure, print, from 'drücken' - to press). It literally describes the 'pressing out' or making visible of something internal.

Cultural Aspects:

In German culture, precise Ausdruck (expression) is often valued, both in language and formal interactions. Proverbs like "Der erste Eindruck zählt, der letzte bleibt" (The first impression counts, the last one remains) show the importance, but careful: this uses 'Eindruck' (impression)!