German word

Auskunft

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈaʊ̯sˌkʊnft/

Meaning

  • feminine nouninformation

Example

Ich brauche eine Auskunft über die Busverbindung.

I need information about the bus service.

Illustration for Auskunft (information)

More examples

Beim Touristenbüro erhielt ich Auskunft über die Öffnungszeiten.

At the tourist information office, I received information about the opening hours.

Core concept

A person asks at a counter and receives the precise details needed to find a route, make a decision, or understand a matter.

Common phrases

  • um Auskunft bitten

    ask for information

  • Auskunft einholen

    obtain information

  • eine Auskunft geben

    give information

Similar words

Antwort: A brief reply directly addressing what was asked.
Information: Presented facts or data intended to inform others.
Angabe: A stated or written detail supplied when requested.

Definition in German

Auskunft bezeichnet eine Antwort oder Angabe, die relevante Details zu einer konkreten Anfrage nennt.

Word origin

Auskunft is formed from aus- and Middle High German kunft, a noun related to kommen; its earlier sense of an outcome or way out developed into information or guidance.

Usage tips

  • The common pattern is jemandem Auskunft geben, with the person receiving the information in the dative, while jemanden um Auskunft bitten takes um plus the accusative.

Other meanings

  • guidancenoun
  • answernoun

Opposites

  • Schweigensilencenoun

Related words

  • Auskunftsstelleinformation desknoun

Word lists with this word