die  Ausrede

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈaʊsˌʁeːdə/

🤔 What exactly is an Ausrede?

The German word die Ausrede (feminine, article: die) refers to a reason or explanation, often just a pretext, given to justify or excuse certain behavior, an omission, or a failure. It often implies that the stated reason is not the true reason or at least not the whole truth. It's an attempt to evade responsibility or avoid unpleasant consequences.

In contrast to an honest Erklärung (explanation) or a valid Grund (reason), die Ausrede often has a negative connotation.

🚨 Note: An Entschuldigung (apology or excuse) can be an Ausrede, but it can also be a sincere request for forgiveness or a legitimate reason (e.g., a doctor's note).

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar in Detail: Die Ausrede

The word "Ausrede" is a feminine noun. The article is die.

Example Sentences:

• Seine ständige Verspätung begründete er mit einer fadenscheinigen Ausrede.
  (He justified his constant lateness with a flimsy excuse.)
• Ich habe keine Lust auf deine Ausreden mehr!
  (I'm fed up with your excuses!)
• Eine gute Ausrede zu finden, fiel ihm schwer.
  (He found it difficult to come up with a good excuse.)
• "Der Hund hat meine Hausaufgaben gefressen" ist eine klassische Ausrede.
  ("The dog ate my homework" is a classic excuse.)

💬 When to use "Ausrede"?

The term "Ausrede" is typically used in situations where someone tries to talk their way out of an unpleasant situation or avoid responsibility for their actions or inaction.

• Context: Everyday life, school, work, social interactions.
• Connotation: Mostly negative. An Ausrede is often perceived as dishonest, lazy, or cowardly.
• Distinction:
  • Grund/Begründung (Reason): A neutral or positive term for the cause or motivation behind something. Example: Der Grund für seine Abwesenheit war eine Grippe (The reason for his absence was the flu).
  • Erklärung (Explanation): A neutral presentation of facts or circumstances. Example: Er gab eine plausible Erklärung für den Vorfall (He gave a plausible explanation for the incident).
  • Entschuldigung (Apology/Excuse): Can be an Ausrede, but also a sincere apology or a legitimate reason for absence (e.g., eine ärztliche Entschuldigung - a doctor's note).
• Typical Phrases: "Das ist doch nur eine Ausrede!" (That's just an excuse!), "Faule Ausreden" (Lame excuses), "Keine Ausreden mehr!" (No more excuses!), "sich mit Ausreden herausreden" (to make excuses).

💡 Mnemonics for Ausrede

For the article 'die': Think of other feminine German words related to dishonesty or evasion like 'die Lüge' (the lie). Maybe imagine someone using 'die Tür' (the door) to make a quick exit after offering an excuse. Feminine words often end in -e, like Ausrede.

For the meaning: Break it down: 'Aus-' means 'out' and 'Rede' means 'speech' or 'talk'. So, an Aus-rede is speech used to get 'out' of something, to talk your way out of responsibility.

🔄 Related and Opposite Words

⚠️ Caution: Although "Entschuldigung" is sometimes used as a synonym, the core difference is important. An Ausrede often tries to cover something up, while a genuine Entschuldigung asks for forgiveness or provides a valid reason.

😄 A Little Joke

German:
Lehrer: "Fritzchen, warum bist du schon wieder zu spät?"
Fritzchen: "Wegen des Schildes da draußen."
Lehrer: "Was für ein Schild?"
Fritzchen: "Na, das Schild 'Achtung, Schule! Fahren Sie langsam!' – Das habe ich getan!"

English Translation:
Teacher: "Fritzchen, why are you late again?"
Fritzchen: "Because of the sign outside."
Teacher: "What sign?"
Fritzchen: "Well, the sign 'Caution, School! Drive Slowly!' – So I did!"

📜 Poem about Excuses

German:
Die Arbeit ruft, die Pflicht ist klar,
doch ach, der Wecker schlief wohl gar.
Der Bus zu spät, der Regen nass,
'ne Ausrede find' ich immer, was!
Die Katze krank, das Auto streikt,
die Kreativität hier keine Grenzen zeigt.
Doch tief im Innern weiß ich schon,
die Wahrheit wär' der bessere Lohn.

English Translation:
Work calls, the duty's clear and bright,
But oh, the alarm clock slept all night.
The bus was late, the rain did pour,
An excuse I always have in store!
The cat is sick, the car broke down,
My creativity wears a crown.
But deep inside, I know it's true,
The honest truth is better, through and through.

🧩 Little Riddle

German:
Ich bin oft schnell zur Hand,
wenn jemand feststeckt im Verstand.
Ich kleide Wahrheit neu,
bin selten ehrlich, selten treu.
Man nutzt mich gern, um Schuld zu fliehen,
doch Respekt kann man mit mir nie ziehen.

Was bin ich? (Lösung: die Ausrede)

English Translation:
I'm often quickly near,
When someone's mind is filled with fear.
I dress the truth in different guise,
Am seldom honest, seldom wise.
People use me to flee the blame,
But respect you'll never earn through my name.

What am I?
(Answer: die Ausrede / an excuse)

🤓 More Tidbits

Word Composition:

The word "Ausrede" is composed of:

• aus-: A prefix indicating movement 'out' or 'away from'.
• Rede: Meaning 'speech', 'talk', or 'discourse'.

Literally, it means speech used to 'talk oneself out' of an obligation or responsibility.

Cultural Aspect:

In German culture, punctuality and reliability are often highly valued. Therefore, excuses (Ausreden), especially flimsy ones, are often viewed critically. The phrase "Keine Ausreden!" (No excuses!) is an appeal for discipline and accountability.