Ausflug
/ˈʔaʊ̯sfluːk/
The English word 'excursion' is translated into German as Ausflug.
Ausflug is used to describe a recreational trip or outing. If you are specifically referring to a day trip, you can use the word Tagesausflug.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of aus, meaning 'out' and Flug, meaning 'flight' or 'trip', literally translating to an 'out-flight' or a trip away from home.
Which one should you use?
While Ausflug refers to a recreational outing, the German word Exkursion is a cognate used specifically for academic, scientific or technical field trips.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Ausflug is Ausflüge. When expressing that you are going on an excursion, you typically 'make' it in German by using the phrase einen Ausflug machen.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʔaʊ̯sfluːk/
Did you know?
- While Ausflug sounds like it involves flying, the word Flug originally meant any rapid movement or a short distance traveled. This is why you can use Ausflug for a simple walk in the woods without ever leaving the ground.
- If you are planning a short, spontaneous trip, you might call it a Trip instead, as many Germans use the English loanword for modern, informal outings.
- In German, the word Exkursion is rarely used for leisure. If you tell a German friend you are planning an Exkursion, they will likely assume you are going on a university field study or a geological survey.
Examples in context
- Warst du beim Ausflug gestern?Did you take part in the excursion yesterday?This sentence is useful for asking if someone participated in the Ausflug.Tatoeba #4946992 by l4t3, translation #4946537 by Muelisto
- Bei Regen wird der Ausflug abgesagt.If it rains, the excursion will be called off.This sentence is useful for discussing how an Ausflug might be cancelled due to rain.Tatoeba #975154 by Sudajaengi, translation #30927 by Eldad
- Der Ausflug hat uns sehr gut gefallen.We enjoyed the excursion very much.This sentence is useful for expressing enjoyment of an Ausflug.Tatoeba #2289400 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2269068 by _undertoad
- Der Ausflug zum Schloss war wunderbar.The excursion to the castle was wonderful.
- Haben Sie Informationen über organisierte Ausflüge?Do you have information about organized excursions?
- Wir planen einen eintägigen Ausflug in die Berge.We are planning a one-day excursion to the mountains.
- Wir machen einen Trip zur Nordsee.We're going on a trip to the North Sea.
- Hast du Lust auf einen spontanen Trip nach Berlin?Do you feel like going on a spontaneous trip to Berlin?
- Lass uns ein kleines Ausflügchen ins Grüne machen.Let's take a small excursion into the countryside.
- Wir könnten ein Ausflügchen in den Tierpark machen.We could take a little trip to the zoo.
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sarah and Maximilian are planning their weekend.
- SarahHast du Lust auf einen Ausflug am Samstag?Do you feel like going on an excursion on Saturday?
- MaximilianJa, wohin wollen wir fahren?Yes, where do we want to go?
- SarahIch schlage einen Ausflug an den See vor.I suggest an excursion to the lake.
- MaximilianDas klingt super, Sarah!That sounds great, Sarah!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Ausflug, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
