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Ausgangspunkt
/ˈaʊ̯sɡaŋsˌpʊŋkt/
starting point
Der Ausgangspunkt für unsere Diskussion war die Klimakrise.
The starting point for our discussion was the climate crisis.
formal
The initial place, situation, or idea from which something begins or is developed.
Dieser Bericht nimmt den letzten Bericht als Ausgangspunkt.
This report takes the previous report as its starting point.
Der Ausgangspunkt der Theorie ist die Annahme, dass alle Menschen gleich sind.
The starting point of the theory is the assumption that all people are equal.
Often used in academic, technical, or analytical contexts to describe the foundation of an argument, process, or discussion.
Collocations
Ausgangspunkt für etwas seinto be the starting point for somethingeinen neuen Ausgangspunkt findento find a new starting point
Synonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Common Mistake: Don't confuse with 'Ausgang'
'Ausgang' means 'exit' (e.g., an emergency exit), while 'Ausgangspunkt' is always metaphorical or abstract. For literal exits, use 'Ausgang' alone.
Gold Rule
When to use 'Ausgangspunkt'
Use 'Ausgangspunkt' when referring to the conceptual or theoretical foundation of something, not a physical location. For physical starting points, use 'Startpunkt' or 'Anfang'.
Word Origin
Compound of 'Ausgang' (exit, way out) + 'Punkt' (point), first attested in the 18th century. Literally 'exit point', but metaphorically extended to mean the origin of an idea or process.
Usage Notes
While 'Ausgangspunkt' can refer to a literal starting point (e.g., the exit of a building), it is most commonly used figuratively in academic, philosophical, or analytical contexts to describe the basis or origin of a discussion, theory, or process.
Word Breakdown
Ausgang
exit / way out
nounPunkt
point
nounDeutsch-Englisch Wörterbuch