Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Ausgang | /ˈʔaʊ̯sˌɡaŋ/ | masculine |
| Ausweg | /ˈʔaʊ̯sveːk/ | masculine |
| Ausfahrt | feminine |
Depending on whether you are referring to a physical door, a vehicle route or a solution to a problem, different German words are used. Ausgang is the standard term for a physical exit for people. Ausfahrt is used for exits intended for vehicles, such as on a highway. Ausweg refers to a path or route to an exit, or is used metaphorically to describe a way out of a difficult situation.
Which one should you use?
Ausgang is used for a physical exit through a door or gate intended for pedestrians. In contrast, Ausfahrt is used specifically for an exit used by vehicles, like a parking garage or highway exit. Ausweg is used to describe a metaphorical solution or a way out of a problem, or to refer to the actual path or route leading to an exit.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʔaʊ̯sˌɡaŋ/
Did you know?
- While Ausgang means 'exit' in a building, the same word is used in German to describe the 'outcome' or 'result' of an event.
- In a medical context, Ausgang can refer to the external opening of a body canal or an orifice.
- The word Ausgang is a distant relative of the obsolete English word 'outgang', which once meant 'egress' or 'exit'.
Examples in context
- Wo ist der Ausgang?Where is the exit?This sentence is useful for asking for the location of the Ausgang.Tatoeba #882362 by Esperantostern, translation #687648 by lukaszpp
- Der Ausgang ist links.The exit is on the left.This sentence is useful for describing the direction of the Ausgang.Tatoeba #8618986 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #8618987 by CK
- Yuri rannte zum Ausgang.Yuri ran for the exit.This sentence is useful for describing movement toward the Ausgang.Tatoeba #11951704 by Naina, translation #11950817 by Amastan
- Der Ausgang befindet sich dortThe exit is located there.
- Folgen Sie den Schildern zur AusfahrtFollow the signs to the exit.
- Komm, wir gehen rausCome on, let's go out.
- Ich mache jetzt meinen AbgangI'm making my exit now.
- Gehen Sie geradeaus zum Ausgang.Go straight to the exit.
- Ich habe den Ausweg gefunden!I've found the way out!
- 36 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
In a large shopping mall, Sarah and Lukas are looking for the exit.
- SarahLukas, findest du den Ausgang?Lukas, can you find the exit?
- LukasJa, der Ausgang ist dort vorne.Yes, the exit is over there.
- SarahDanke, ich bin müde.Thanks, I am tired.
- LukasGehen wir schnell zum Ausgang.Let's walk quickly to the exit.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “exit” translations and entries Ausgang, Ausweg, Ausfahrt, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Ausfahrt, Ausgang, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
