German word

extern

Pronunciation

IPA/ɛkˈstɛʁn/

Meaning

  • adjectiveexternal

Example

Wir verbinden ein externes Laufwerk mit dem Computer.

We are connecting an external drive to the computer.

Illustration for extern (external)

More examples

Bei Problemen wenden wir uns an externe Supportteams.

When there are problems, we contact external support teams.

Core concept

A separate outer element interacts with an inner system without belonging to its internal structure.

Common phrases

  • externe Unterstützung

    external support

  • externes Gerät

    external device

Similar words

außen: Located on the outer side of an object or building.
von außen: Arriving from outside and acting on something within.

Definition in German

Von einem inneren Bereich getrennt und außerhalb eines Systems oder einer Organisation befindlich.

Word origin

German borrowed extern from Latin externus, which denotes something situated outside and is related to exter, meaning external.

Usage tips

  • Extern is common in technical and institutional language, while außen or von außen often sounds more natural for physical location in everyday speech.

Other meanings

  • externallyadverb

Opposites

Word lists with this word