ausgefahren

Ausgefahren is a German adjective that translates roughly to “excessively elaborate,” “overly ornate,” or “excessively twisted” in a figurative sense. It is often used to describe something that has been altered or embellished to an extreme degree, to the point of becoming impractical or aesthetically unbalanced. In idiomatic usage, it may refer to ideas, styles, or behavior that are eccentric or far-fetched.

In standard German, ausgefahren primarily describes objects or concepts that have been extended or stretched beyond their original limits. For example, one might speak of an “ausgefahrener Plan” (an overly elaborate plan) or a “ausgefahrener Nachbau” (a heavily scaled replica). In these cases the word carries a slightly negative connotation, implying that the development has lost its original purpose or has become cumbersome.

Colloquially, ausgefahren can also mean “crazy,” “bizarre,” or “wildly unconventional.” A person with unusual habits might be called “ausgefahren.” In this context, the term is less about physical alteration and more about unconventional or eccentric mental states. It is a neutral or mildly pejorative term, depending on tone and context, rather than an outright insult.

The word derives from the verb ausfahren, meaning “to extend, unfold, or expand.” The suffix –en denotes a participle, and the prefix aus- historically indicates “outward.” In modern German, the past participle has acquired its figurative extensions as described above.

Typical example sentences include: “Die Last im Kofferraum war ausgefahren und dauerte die ganze Fahrt an.” (“The load in the trunk was so overloaded that it lasted the whole drive.”) Another: “Seine Ideen sind immer ausgefahren und schwer nachvollziehbar.” (“His ideas are always over-the-top and hard to follow.”)

For further study see related terms such as übertrieben, extravagant und bizarr.