außer

The German word "außer" is a preposition and sometimes an adverb that means "except", "besides", or "outside of".

• Origin word (without prefix): The base word here is "außer" itself; it is not a compound of smaller words.
• Usage: It is used to exclude something (e.g., alle außer mir = everyone except me) or to indicate something is outside or beyond a limit (e.g., außer Dienst = off duty).

Similar words:

• ausgenommen (excepted)
• abgesehen von (apart from)
• mit Ausnahme von (with the exception of)

Differences:

• außer is often used in shorter constructions and can act as a preposition, while phrases like mit Ausnahme von are more formal and explicit.
• außer can also express physical exclusion (beyond/outside of something), not just exceptions.