Äußerstes

äußerstes is a German term that can function as an attributive adjective meaning outermost or farthest, and as a related noun form when capitalized as Äußerste. It is derived from the word Außen, meaning outside, with a superlative/inflectional ending that signals extremity or position at the limit. In standard usage, the form and capitalization depend on whether it is used as a noun or as an adjective preceding a noun.

As an attributive adjective, äußerstes appears before a neuter noun, typically when used without a definite article. For example, äußerstes Ende means the outermost end. With a definite article, the form becomes das äußerste Ende, where the ending shifts to -e under the article’s influence. The same pattern applies to other neuter nouns such as Äußerstes Ende or äußerste Grenze in different contexts. In general, the adjective can describe literal outer position (outermost edge of a thing) as well as figurative extremity (the utmost limit in a situation).

As a noun, the word Äußerste (capitalized) denotes the outermost part or extreme limit itself. Commonly used in fixed expressions such as bis an das Äußerste or bis zum Äußersten, these phrases convey going to the utmost limit or pushing something to its outer boundary. The noun can be employed metaphorically to discuss limits in ethics, performance, or experience, not only physical geography or geometry.

See also outer, extreme, Außen, and related German terms for describing boundaries and extremities.