Ausdrücklich

Ausdrücklich is a German word meaning explicitly, expressly, or plainly stated. It functions as an adverb and, in attributive use, as an adjective form (ausdrückliche, ausdrückliches, etc.) describing something stated in a direct and unambiguous way. As an adverb, ausdrück-lich emphasizes that a statement or instruction is deliberate rather than implicit or inferred.

Etymology: The term derives from the verb ausdrücken (“to express”) with the suffix -lich, yielding a sense of expressiveness or explicitness. The modern meaning centers on clear articulation rather than suggestion.

Usage and nuance: In formal, legal, or administrative language, ausdrück-lich marks that a condition, prohibition, or consent is stated outright. It is common in contracts, notices, and guidelines: “Der Vertrag enthält ausdrücklich folgende Bestimmungen” or “Es wird ausdrücklich darauf hingewiesen, dass….” The word conveys stronger insistence than synonyms like explizit or deutlich, though they are related in meaning. As an adjective, it describes noun phrases such as “eine ausdrückliche Zustimmung” or “eine ausdrückliche Bitte,” indicating that the action is given in a clear and voluntary manner.

Examples: “Der Vertrag schließt ausdrücklich Folgendes aus.” “Es wurde ausdrücklich darauf hingewiesen, dass das Betreten des Geländes verboten ist.” In both cases, the term signals explicit intent and unambiguous wording.

See also: explizit, eindeutig, deutlich.