German word

äußerlich

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈɔʏ̯sɐlɪç/

Meaning

  • adverboutwardly

Example

Er wirkt äußerlich ruhig, obwohl er nervös ist.

Outwardly, he seems calm, although he is nervous.

Illustration for äußerlich (outwardly)

More examples

Die Uhr ist äußerlich intakt, doch innen fehlen Teile.

The clock is outwardly intact, but parts are missing inside.

Core concept

A first impression shows the visible layer of a situation, not its full reality.

Common phrases

  • äußerlich ruhig

    outwardly calm

  • äußerlich intakt

    outwardly intact

Similar words

von außen: As seen from the outside or judged by external appearance.
offenbar: Clearly seeming to be true from visible signs or circumstances.
scheinbar: Seeming to be true from appearances, though the reality may differ.
anscheinend: Appearing to be true based on visible signs or the situation.

Definition in German

Sagt aus, wie etwas nach dem äußeren Erscheinungsbild wirkt; im ersten Blick erkennbar.

Word origin

Äußerlich belongs to the word family around außen and uses -lich to form an adjective meaning 'external' that can also function adverbially.

Usage tips

  • English 'apparently' can suggest that a claim may be false, whereas äußerlich focuses on visible or external appearance.

Other meanings

  • superficiallyadverb
  • apparentlyadverb
  • externaladjective

Opposites

Related words

  • Äußerlichkeitoutward appearancenoun
  • das Äußereexteriornoun

Word lists with this word