What Does “außer” Mean?
The German word “außer” is most commonly translated as “except” or “besides” in English. It is a preposition that helps to exclude someone or something from a group or statement. Sometimes, it can also introduce exceptions or alternatives. Understanding the nuances of “außer” can help you make your German sentences more precise and expressive.
How to Use “außer” as a Preposition
When “außer” is used as a preposition, it is typically followed by a noun or pronoun in the dative case. However, when it is used with certain pronouns, the accusative case may sometimes appear in colloquial speech, but standard German prefers the dative.
Examples:
- Alle sind gekommen, außer meinem Bruder. (Everyone came except my brother.)
- Ich esse alles, außer Fisch. (I eat everything except fish.)
- Keiner weiß davon, außer dir. (Nobody knows about it except you.)
Using “außer” with Pronouns
When using “außer” with pronouns, you need to choose the correct case. Most commonly, you’ll use the dative case. Here are some examples:
- Niemand war da, außer mir. (No one was there except me.)
- Alle haben das Buch gelesen, außer ihnen. (Everyone has read the book except them.)
“außer” in Negative Statements
“Außer” is frequently used in negative sentences to indicate exceptions. This can be a useful structure when you want to emphasize that something is true for everyone or everything except for one or more exceptions.
- Es gibt keinen Ausweg, außer einen. (There’s no way out except one.)
- Niemand hat den Test bestanden, außer Lisa. (No one passed the test except Lisa.)
Using “außer” as a Conjunction
In certain contexts, “außer” can also function like a conjunction, often in the phrase “außer dass” (except that). This usage introduces a clause and is similar to the English “except that.”
- Alles ist gut, außer dass es regnet. (Everything is fine except that it’s raining.)
- Sie wäre gekommen, außer dass sie krank ist. (She would have come except that she is sick.)
Common Phrases and Idioms with “außer”
There are some useful phrases and idiomatic expressions with “außer” that you might encounter in German conversation or writing.
- außer Betrieb – out of order
- außer Kontrolle – out of control
- außer Gefahr – out of danger
Tips for Remembering How to Use “außer”
- Remember that “außer” usually means “except” or “besides.”
- Use the dative case after “außer” when it is used as a preposition.
- In negative sentences, use “außer” to show exceptions.
- Practice with real-life examples to build confidence in using “außer.”
Practice Makes Perfect
The best way to internalize the use of “außer” is through regular practice and exposure. Try making your own sentences, listening for “außer” in German podcasts, or using language learning tools like Talkpal to reinforce your skills. As you become more comfortable, you’ll find that “außer” is a versatile word that can help you express exceptions and alternatives naturally in German.
Conclusion
Understanding how to use “außer” is key to speaking and writing German more fluently. Whether you’re making exceptions, describing alternatives, or using fixed expressions, “außer” is a handy word to know. Keep practicing, and don’t hesitate to use resources like the Talkpal blog for more tips on mastering German grammar and vocabulary. Happy learning!
