adjective
externally
B1
Äußerlich means 'externally' or 'outwardly'. It describes outward appearance or external aspects rather than internal ones. Grammatically not gradable (no comparative/superlative), and antonym is 'innerlich'. Often used in evaluations like 'äußerlich unauffällig' to stress superficial/external observation rather than inward state.
Examples
Die Wunde sah äußerlich harmlos aus, obwohl sie innerlich ernster gewesen war.
The wound looked harmless on the outside, although it had been more serious internally.
Äußerlich sieht das Haus gut aus, aber innen ist es renovierungsbedürftig.
On the outside the house looks fine, but inside it needs renovation.
Details
Mnemonics
Picture the outside (exterior) of a building: what you see 'äußerlich' is its outer appearance.
Sounds like 'outside' — think 'externally'.
Notes
Used both as an adverb ('äußerlich betrachtet') and as an adjective meaning 'external' or 'superficial'.