der  Ausweg

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈaʊsˌveːk/

🧐 What does "der Ausweg" mean?

The German word der Ausweg generally refers to a way out or a solution to get out of a difficult, unpleasant, or dangerous situation. It can refer to both a concrete physical route and an abstract solution to a problem.

• Concrete: A path or door leading out of a maze or a burning building (often synonymous with Fluchtweg - escape route).
• Abstract: A solution to a problem, an alternative to an undesirable development, a way to overcome a dilemma.

It only takes the article der and is masculine. There are no variants with "die" or "das".

Article rules for der, die, and das

📐 Grammar of "Ausweg" in Detail

"Ausweg" is a masculine noun. Here are the declension tables:

Declension Singular

Note: In the genitive and dative singular, both forms (-s/-es and -/ -e respectively) are often possible, with the shorter form (-s and -) being more common.

Declension Plural

Example Sentences 📝

1. Er suchte verzweifelt nach einem Ausweg aus seiner finanziellen Notlage.
   He desperately searched for a way out of his financial predicament.
2. Der einzige Ausweg aus dem brennenden Gebäude war das Fenster im zweiten Stock.
   The only way out of the burning building was the window on the second floor.
3. Sie diskutierten verschiedene Auswege, aber keiner schien wirklich praktikabel.
   They discussed various ways out/solutions, but none seemed really practicable.
4. Manchmal ist Reden der beste Ausweg aus einem Konflikt.
   Sometimes talking is the best way out of a conflict.

💡 How to use "Ausweg"?

"Ausweg" is mostly used when talking about difficult or problematic situations and looking for solutions or escape routes.

• Typical Collocations:
  • einen Ausweg suchen/finden: to look for/find a way out (actively seeking or discovering a solution).
  • keinen Ausweg sehen/wissen: to see/know no way out (being in a hopeless situation).
  • der letzte Ausweg: the last resort (the final remaining option, often a drastic one).
  • ein möglicher/gangbarer Ausweg: a possible/viable way out (a realistic option).
• Context: The word often carries a slightly dramatic or urgent connotation, as it implies that the initial situation is negative.
• Comparison: While Lösung (solution) is more neutral and can refer to answering any question or task, Ausweg always implies escaping a negative situation. Alternative emphasizes choice, while Ausweg focuses on escape.

🧠 Mnemonics for "Ausweg"

For the article (der): Think of der Weg (the way/path). An Ausweg is a type of path – one that leads *out* of a situation. Many words for paths in German are masculine (der Pfad, der Steg, der Gang). So: der (Aus-)Weg.

For the meaning: Imagine you are in a maze (*Labyrinth*) and looking for the way *out* (*aus*). This path leading outside is your Ausweg (way out).

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Similar Words:

Be careful not to confuse "Ausweg" with Ausgang. An Ausgang is an exit (door or gate) used to leave a place normally (e.g., *der Ausgang des Kinos* - *the cinema exit*). An Ausweg is more the solution or the *way out of a predicament*.

😄 A Little Joke

Warum hat der Mathematiker immer einen Ausweg parat?
Weil er immer mit Variablen rechnet!

Why does the mathematician always have a way out?
Because he always calculates/counts on variables! (Pun on 'rechnen mit' - to calculate with / to count on)

📜 A Little Poem

Die Mauer hoch, der Graben tief,
die Sorge nagt, der Kummer schlief
nur kurz, erwacht nun mit Gebraus,
man sucht und fleht: „Wo geht’s hier raus?“

Doch plötzlich, hell, ein schmaler Pfad,
ein neuer Plan, ‘ne gute Tat?
Ein kleiner Spalt, ein lichter Schein –
Der Ausweg kann Erlösung sein.

--- English Translation ---

The wall is high, the ditch is deep,
Worry gnaws, while sorrow sleeps
But briefly, wakes now with a roar,
One seeks and pleads: "Where is the door?"

But suddenly, bright, a narrow track,
A novel plan, a helpful act?
A little gap, a gleam of light –
The way out can make all things right.

🧩 Riddle Time

Ich bin kein Weg, den man oft geht,
doch wenn die Not am höchsten steht,
sucht man nach mir mit bangem Blick,
als letztes Hoffnungs-Überbleibselstück.

Manchmal bin ich ein kluger Plan,
manchmal ein Pfad aus tiefem Bann.
Bin ich gefunden, weicht die Pein.
Was mag ich wohl für’n Wörtlein sein?

--- English Translation ---

I'm not a path one often takes,
But when distress the spirit breaks,
You search for me with anxious gaze,
The last remaining hope's small phase.

Sometimes I am a clever scheme,
Sometimes a path from a bad dream.
When I am found, the pain subsides.
What little word does this describe?

Solution: Der Ausweg (The way out)

➕ More Information

Word Composition:

The word "Ausweg" is a compound noun, formed from:

• Preposition/Adverb aus: Indicates movement from inside to outside, or the end/solution.
• Noun der Weg: Way, path, route, method.

Together, they form the meaning "way out (of a situation)".