Sich ausdenken
Example: Ich musste mir eine gute Ausrede ausdenken, um zu spät zu kommen.
Definition
"Sich ausdenken" means to create or invent an idea, story, or excuse mentally. It involves thinking up something original or fabricated, often to solve a problem or explain a situation, as in inventing a good excuse for being late.
Etymology
The German phrase "sich ausdenken" comes from the verb "denken" meaning 'to think,' combined with the prefix "aus-" indicating 'out' or 'forth.' Together, it literally means 'to think out' or 'to devise.' Did you know? The reflexive pronoun "sich" emphasizes that this thinking process happens within oneself.
Learn to use this word actively
"Sich ausdenken" appears in the Vocaplus list "German - General - (B1) - set 5", containing 113 commonly used words.
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