clarification / Enlightenment
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clarification
The clarification of a situation, the solving of a crime, or the elimination of ignorance through information.
Die Polizei bat die Bevölkerung um Mithilfe bei der Aufklärung des Diebstahls.
The police asked the public for help in clarifying the theft.
The noun 'Aufklärung' is derived from the separable verb 'aufklären' (to clarify/enlighten). This consists of 'auf' and 'klären' (to make something clear). So 'aufklären' means to make a situation completely clear and understandable.
Der Detektiv konnte den komplizierten Fall schnell aufklären.
The detective was able to solve the complicated case quickly.
In the meaning 'clarification of a situation,' the word is often used in the context of crimes and investigations. Typical combinations are 'die Aufklärung eines Verbrechens' (the solving of a crime), 'zur Aufklärung beitragen' (to contribute to clarification), or 'um Aufklärung bitten' (to ask for clarification).
Jeder Hinweis aus der Bevölkerung kann zur Aufklärung des Falls beitragen.
Any tip from the public can contribute to solving the case.
When 'die Aufklärung' means a historical era, it is treated like a proper noun and often capitalized. The context is then usually philosophy, history, or literature of the 18th century.
Die Ideen der Aufklärung haben Europa nachhaltig verändert.
The ideas of the Enlightenment changed Europe permanently.
When 'Aufklärung' is mentioned in the context of school, biology, or adolescents, it usually means sex education. This is often made more precise with the word 'sexuell' (sexual).
Die Eltern sprachen offen mit ihren Kindern über das Thema Aufklärung.
The parents spoke openly with their children about the topic of sex education.
The meaning 'military reconnaissance' is technical language. You can recognize it from words in the military field such as 'Soldaten' (soldiers), 'Feind' (enemy), 'Gebiet' (territory), or 'Drohne' (drone).
Ein Spähtrupp wurde zur Aufklärung der feindlichen Linien entsandt.
A reconnaissance patrol was sent to scout the enemy lines.
information
'Information' and 'Aufklärung' both have to do with knowledge. 'Information' usually means individual facts or pieces of information. 'Aufklärung' is stronger: it is about explaining something unclear or eliminating ignorance. For example, people talk about 'die Aufklärung eines Falls' (the clarification of a case) or 'Aufklärung über Gesundheit und Körper' (education about health and the body). Learners may confuse the words because Aufklärung happens through information. But not every piece of information is Aufklärung. 'Aufklärung' fits when the focus is on deliberate explanation, clarification, or understanding of a larger topic.
Die Aufklärung des Unfalls dauert noch, weil wichtige Zeugen fehlen.
Clarifying the accident is still taking time because important witnesses are missing.
Wegen einer neuen Information verschiebe ich meinen Termin auf morgen.
Because of new information, I am moving my appointment to tomorrow.