die Ausarbeitung
elaboration
The process by which a plan, concept, or text is developed and formulated in detail.
EXAMPLE
Die Ausarbeitung des neuen Vertrags hat mehrere Wochen gedauert.
The elaboration of the new contract took several weeks.
die Ausarbeitung
elaboration / paper
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Meanings
die Ausarbeitung
paper / write-up
The result of this process; a finished, detailed document, a written draft, or a treatise.
EXAMPLE
Bitte reichen Sie Ihre schriftliche Ausarbeitung bis nächsten Montag ein.
Please submit your written paper by next Monday.
Usage tips
Word family
The noun 'die Ausarbeitung' (elaboration/paper) is derived directly from the separable verb 'ausarbeiten' (to work out/elaborate). The ending '-ung' turns the verb into a feminine noun that can describe both the process and the result.
EXAMPLE
Wir müssen dieses Konzept noch genauer ausarbeiten.
We still need to work out this concept in more detail.
Context: process vs. result
Whether the process (meaning 1) or the finished document (meaning 2) is meant can often be recognized from the verb. Verbs like 'dauern' (to take/last) or 'beginnen' (to begin) point to the process, while verbs like 'abgeben' (to hand in) or 'lesen' (to read) point to the result.
EXAMPLE
Die Ausarbeitung des Businessplans dauerte drei Monate.
The elaboration of the business plan took three months.
Academic & professional style
The word 'Ausarbeitung' (elaboration/paper) is used very frequently in academic, professional, or administrative contexts. It sounds more formal and precise.
EXAMPLE
Für das Seminar ist eine schriftliche Ausarbeitung zu einem Thema Ihrer Wahl erforderlich.
For the seminar, a written paper on a topic of your choice is required.
Typical collocations
When 'Ausarbeitung' (paper/write-up) means the finished document, it is often combined with verbs such as 'einreichen' (to submit), 'vorlegen' (to present/submit), 'präsentieren' (to present), or 'verfassen' (to write).
EXAMPLE
Die Studenten müssen ihre Ausarbeitungen bis Freitag einreichen.
The students must submit their papers by Friday.
Compare with
Ausarbeitung vs Entwicklung
development
Entwicklung covers the entire process in which a new concept comes into being. Ausarbeitung refers more specifically to the phase in which an existing basic idea is developed and formulated in detail. Entwicklung fits creating the concept; Ausarbeitung fits giving it its concrete form.
Ausarbeitung
Die Ausarbeitung des neuen Konzepts begann nach der Entscheidung für eine Grundidee.
Elaboration of the new concept began after a basic idea had been chosen.
Entwicklung
Die Entwicklung des neuen Konzepts begann mit der Suche nach einer passenden Grundidee.
Development of the new concept began with looking for a suitable basic idea.
In real life
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