German Phrase
Dieses Schild heißt 'Ausgang'.
Meaning
The sentence tells the listener that the sign they are looking at reads the word ‘Ausgang’, which means ‘Exit’. It is a straightforward way to describe what a sign says.
When to use
Use this phrase when you need to point out the wording on a sign, give directions, or teach someone the German word for ‘exit’. It’s common in travel, building tours, or language‑learning contexts.
✦Grammar Breakdown
DiesesSchildheißt'Ausgang'
Demonstrative Pronoun
‘Dieses’ is a neuter demonstrative pronoun used in the nominative case to point to something nearby.
Noun Gender & Case
‘Schild’ is a neuter noun; in this sentence it is the subject, so it stays in the nominative case.
Verb ‘heißen’
‘heißt’ is the 3rd‑person singular present of ‘heißen’ and means ‘is called / says’ when referring to a label or sign.
Quotations
The word inside quotes, ‘Ausgang’, is the exact wording on the sign; quotes are optional in spoken German but common in writing.
🗨In Conversation
Wie heißt das Schild hier?
What does this sign say?
Dieses Schild heißt 'Ausgang'.
This sign says 'Exit'.
✕Common Mistakes
Dieses Schild ist 'Ausgang'.
‘ist’ means ‘is’; you need ‘heißt’ to convey what the sign says.
Dieser Schild heißt 'Ausgang'.
‘dieser’ is masculine; the noun ‘Schild’ is neuter, so the correct demonstrative is ‘dieses’.
Dieses Schild heißt 'Ausgangs'.
The word on the sign stays in its base form; do not add the genitive ‘-s’.
↔Alternatives
Auf diesem Schild steht 'Ausgang'.
On this sign is written 'Exit'.
Das Schild sagt 'Ausgang'.
The sign says 'Exit'.
Hier steht 'Ausgang' auf dem Schild.
Here it says 'Exit' on the sign.
Cultural Tip
In German‑speaking countries exit signs are usually just the word ‘Ausgang’ without any additional symbols, though in emergency situations you’ll see ‘Notausgang’ (emergency exit). The font is often simple and highly visible, and the sign is placed near doors or stairwells.