äußerer

äußerer is a German adjective meaning outer or external. It is used to describe something that lies on or relates to the outside of a object, area, or concept. The form äußerer appears in the masculine singular when the noun is in a position that takes the indefinite article or no article, for example ein äußerer Rand (an outer edge) or ein äußerer Eindruck (an external impression). When the definite article der/die/das is used, the ending changes according to standard German adjective declension, producing forms such as der äußere Rand.

Etymology and morphology: äußer is derived from außen, meaning outside. The suffix -er marks the masculine nominative singular form in attributive position after an indefinite article. Like other German adjectives, äußerer inflects for gender, case, and number, yielding other forms such as äußeren, äußere, or äußere Rand plural, depending on context.

Usage: The term is common in everyday language and in technical registers. It frequently appears in physical, geographical, anatomical, and architectural contexts, where a contrast with inner or inner parts is intended. Examples include äußere Schicht (outer layer), äußerer Rand (outer edge), or äußerer Eindruck (external impression). The adverbial or predicative forms related to the same root include äußerlich (externally, outwardly) and the comparative/ superlative forms of related adjectives used in broader discourse.

Related terms: The antonym of äußerer is innerer, referring to the internal or inner side. The related adjective äußere/äußerlich is used for broader external or outward concepts. In German spelling, äußerer shares the same root with other inflected forms such as äußeren and äußere, depending on case, number, and article.

See also: outer/inner in German linguistic and semantic contrasts; outward-facing terminology in anatomy, geography, and design.