äussere

The term "äussere" is the Swiss German spelling of the German word "äußere," which is the feminine nominative singular form of the adjective "äußer-" (meaning "outer" or "external") combined with the definite article "die." Swiss German is a dialect continuum primarily spoken in Switzerland, with variations that differ from Standard German in spelling, pronunciation, and vocabulary.

In Swiss German, "äussere" is used to describe something that is located on the outside or exterior of an object or entity. For example, one might refer to the "äussere Wand" (outer wall) or the "äussere Tür" (outer door). The spelling reflects the broader phonetic and orthographic conventions of Swiss German, where certain letters, such as "ä," are retained in their Standard German form, while others may be simplified or altered.

Swiss German spelling often retains the Standard German "ä" and "ö" characters, unlike some other German dialects that may replace them with "ae" or "oe." This distinction helps maintain clarity and consistency with Standard German while preserving regional linguistic identity. The term "äussere" is not limited to formal contexts; it appears in everyday speech, literature, and media within Swiss German-speaking regions.

While "äussere" is grammatically correct in Swiss German, it is important to note that Standard German uses the spelling "äußere" with a single "s" in the genitive and dative cases (e.g., "der äußeren Wand"). The dialectal variation reflects broader linguistic diversity within German-speaking communities.