die  Aussicht

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈaʊsˌzɪçt/

🧐 What does "die Aussicht" mean?

The noun die Aussicht (feminine) primarily has two meanings:

• The view from an elevated point: The possibility to see far into the landscape or over a city. Often associated with a beautiful panorama. 🏞️ Example: the view from a mountain.
• The future possibility or expectation: A prospect or chance for something in the future, e.g., regarding a career or life in general. Often used in the plural (die Aussichten) when talking about future developments. 🔮 Example: job prospects.

There are no article variations for this word; it's always die Aussicht.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📐 Grammar of "die Aussicht" in Detail

The word "Aussicht" is a feminine noun. Here are the declension tables:

Declension Singular

Declension Plural

💡 Grammar Examples

1. Nominative Singular: Die Aussicht vom Berggipfel ist atemberaubend. (The view from the mountain top is breathtaking.)
2. Dative Singular: Wir erfreuten uns an der schönen Aussicht. (We enjoyed the beautiful view.)
3. Accusative Singular: Er malte die Aussicht auf das Tal. (He painted the view of the valley.)
4. Nominative Plural: Die Aussichten für das nächste Jahr sind positiv. (The prospects for next year are positive.)
5. Accusative Plural: Der Chef erklärte die Aussichten des Unternehmens. (The boss explained the company's prospects.)

💬 How to use "die Aussicht"?

1. Meaning: View / Panorama

• Typically used in contexts like travel, hiking, architecture, or real estate descriptions.
• Examples: "ein Zimmer mit Meerblick/Aussicht aufs Meer" (a room with a sea view), "eine herrliche Aussicht genießen" (to enjoy a wonderful view), "der Aussichtsturm bietet eine tolle Aussicht" (the observation tower offers a great view).

2. Meaning: Prospect / Chance

• Often used in economic, professional, or personal contexts.
• Frequently used in the plural: "die wirtschaftlichen Aussichten" (the economic prospects), "seine Aussichten auf eine Beförderung sind gut" (his prospects for a promotion are good).
• Fixed phrases: "etwas in Aussicht stellen" (to promise/hold out the prospect of something), "gute/schlechte Aussichten haben" (to have good/bad prospects), "in naher Aussicht sein" (to be imminent/in the near future).

Comparison:

• Der Ausblick: Very similar to Aussicht (view), but can also more strongly emphasize the future perspective (Ausblick auf das kommende Jahr - outlook for the coming year).
• Die Ansicht: Refers more to an opinion or a pictorial representation (postcard). "Meiner Ansicht nach..." (In my opinion...).
• Die Sicht: General term for seeing or visibility ("freie Sicht haben" - to have a clear view, "auf lange Sicht" - in the long run).

🧠 Mnemonics for "die Aussicht"

1. Article Mnemonic: Think of the related word die Sicht (the sight/view). Looking 'out' (aus) gives you an 'out-sight' or Aussicht. Since Sicht is feminine (die), Aussicht is also feminine (die).
2. Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine you're standing OUTside (AUS-) with a great SIGHT (SICHT) – that's die Aussicht (the view). From this viewpoint, you also consider your future possibilities – your Aussichten (prospects).

Looking AUS (out) gives you a SICHT (sight/view). And views are often appreciated by 'DIE Frau' (the woman), so it's die Aussicht.

↔️ Synonyms & Antonyms for "Aussicht"

⚠️ Similar but different words

• Die Ansicht: Means opinion or postcard/picture. ("Meiner Ansicht nach..." - In my opinion..., "eine Ansicht von Berlin" - a view/picture of Berlin)
• Die Einsicht: Means insight/understanding or access to information. ("zur Einsicht kommen" - to come to understand, "Akteneinsicht nehmen" - to inspect files)

😂 A Little Joke

German: Fragt der Makler: "Und, wie gefällt Ihnen die Aussicht?"
Antwortet der Interessent: "Großartig! Man kann sogar sehen, wie mein Geld zum Fenster hinausfliegt!"

English: The real estate agent asks: "So, how do you like the view (die Aussicht)?"
The prospective buyer replies: "Magnificent! You can even see my money flying out the window!" 💸

📜 Poem about Aussicht

German:
Vom Berge hoch, die Welt so klein,
Die Aussicht klar, der Himmel rein.
Ein Meer von Grün, ein Tal so weit,
Vergessen ist die Alltagszeit.

Auch Zukunft birgt sie, hell und licht,
'ne gute Chance, Zuversicht.
Die Aussicht lockt, nach vorn zu schau'n,
Auf neuen Wegen Mut zu bau'n.

English Translation:
From mountain high, the world so small,
The view is clear, the sky enthralls.
A sea of green, a valley wide,
Forgotten is the daily tide.

It also holds the future bright,
A goodly chance, confident light.
The prospect calls to look ahead,
On newer paths, let courage spread.

❓ Riddle

German:
Ich zeig dir Fernes, Berg und Tal,
Bin oft ein schöner Augenstrahl.
Ich sprech von Chancen, gut und schlecht,
Mal bin ich Hoffnung, mal ganz recht
Bescheiden nur. Ich bin feminin.
Sag, wer oder was ich bin?

English Translation:
I show you distance, hill and dale,
Am often a beautiful visual trail.
I speak of chances, good and bad,
Sometimes I'm hope, sometimes just sad
Or modest. I am feminine.
Tell me, who or what have I been?

Solution: die Aussicht (the view / the prospect)

🧩 Additional Info

Word Composition:

The word "Aussicht" is composed of:

• aus- (prefix, meaning 'out' or 'outward')
• die Sicht (noun, meaning 'sight' or 'view', from the verb 'sehen' - to see)

So, it literally describes 'seeing out' or 'looking out'.

Trivia: An 'Aussichtspunkt' is a specific location, like a viewpoint or overlook, known for offering a good Aussicht (view).