der  Ausflug

A2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈaʊsˌfluːk/

🗺️ What exactly is an Ausflug?

An Ausflug (masculine, article: der) refers to a short trip or outing, usually undertaken for pleasure or recreation. Often, an Ausflug lasts only a few hours or a day and has a specific destination, such as a park, a museum, the mountains, or the sea. It's a small escape from everyday life (der Alltag).

In contrast to a longer Reise (journey, travel), an Ausflug is shorter and often more spontaneous.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar in Detail: Der Ausflug

The word "Ausflug" is a masculine noun. Here are the declension tables:

💡 Short Example Sentences

• Der Ausflug ans Meer war wunderschön. (The trip to the sea was beautiful.)
• Wir erinnern uns gerne an die Zeit des Ausflugs. (We fondly remember the time of the excursion.)
• Wir freuen uns schon auf den Ausflug. (We are already looking forward to the trip.)
• Die Ausflüge mit der Schulklasse waren immer lustig. (The trips with the school class were always fun.)
• Bei den Ausflügen haben wir viel gelernt. (We learned a lot during the excursions.)

🎒 When to use "Ausflug"?

"Ausflug" is used to describe a short, pleasant break from the daily routine. Typical contexts include:

• Familienausflüge: A day at the zoo, a picnic in the park.
• Schulausflüge: A visit to a museum or theater with the class.
• Betriebsausflüge: A company outing with colleagues outside of work.
• Wanderausflüge: A short hike or tour in nature.

Important distinction: An Ausflug is shorter than a Reise (journey, travel). A Reise usually lasts several days and often goes further away. A Spaziergang (walk) is even shorter and usually on foot.

You can say "einen Ausflug machen" (to make/do an excursion) or "auf einen Ausflug gehen/fahren" (to go on an excursion/trip).

🧠 How to Remember "der Ausflug"

1. Article Mnemonic: Imagine DER (the) man always goes on an Ausflug on the weekend. Masculine person helps remember the masculine article.
2. Meaning Mnemonic: Think of "flying AUS (out) of the routine". An Ausflug is like a little 'flight' (Flug) away from the everyday.

Sometimes you just need an Ausflug to clear your head! 🌬️

🔄 Similar and Opposite Words

⚠️ Caution: Do not confuse with der Aufzug (elevator/lift) or der Flug (flight, as in air travel).

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Lehrer: "Wer kann mir ein Beispiel für einen Betriebsausflug nennen?"
Meldet sich Fritzchen: "Wenn der Chef mit dem Firmenwagen wegfährt!"

Teacher asks: "Who can give me an example of a company outing (Betriebsausflug)?"
Little Fritz replies: "When the boss drives off in the company car!"

📜 A Little Poem

Die Sonne scheint, der Himmel lacht,
wir haben einen Plan gemacht:
Ein Ausflug soll es heute sein,
ins Grüne fahren, fein und klein.
Den Alltag lassen wir zurück,
genießen dieses kleine Glück.

The sun is shining, the sky laughs,
we have made a plan:
An outing it shall be today,
to drive into the green, nice and small.
We leave everyday life behind,
enjoy this little piece of luck.

🤔 Little Riddle

Ich bin kurz, doch voller Freud,
vertreibe Arbeit, Stress und Leid.
Man macht mich gern am Wochenend',
bin oft im Grünen, wie man's kennt.

Was bin ich?
Lösung: der Ausflug

I am short, but full of joy,
driving away work, stress, and sorrow.
People like to do me on the weekend,
often in nature, as is known.

What am I?

Solution: der Ausflug (the excursion/outing)

⚙️ Additional Information

Word Composition: The word "Ausflug" is a compound noun (Kompositum), composed of:

• Prefix/Preposition "aus" (meaning 'out', 'out of')
• Noun "Flug" (originally 'flight' through the air, here used metaphorically for a quick movement/journey away from a place)

So, it figuratively describes "flying out" of the ordinary for a short time.