expansion / removal
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expansion
The expansion, enlargement, or improvement of something existing, such as infrastructure, services, or skills.
Der Ausbau des Glasfasernetzes in der Region kommt gut voran.
The expansion of the fiber-optic network in the region is progressing well.
conversion
The completion and fitting out of interior spaces that were previously unfinished, such as an attic or basement.
Der Ausbau des Dachgeschosses zu einer vollwertigen Wohnung war teuer.
The conversion of the attic into a full apartment was expensive.
aging / maturation
The process of aging and refining wine after fermentation, often in barrels or tanks.
Der Ausbau dieses Rotweins erfolgte für 12 Monate im Eichenfass.
The aging of this red wine took place for 12 months in an oak barrel.
removal
The dismantling or removal of a component from a larger machine or system.
Der Ausbau des alten Motors dauerte mehrere Stunden.
The removal of the old engine took several hours.
'Der Ausbau' is derived from the separable verb 'ausbauen' (to expand / to remove). This verb can mean two almost opposite things: to enlarge or expand something (build outward) or to remove a part from a system (build out). This double meaning carries over to the noun.
Wir wollen die Terrasse nächstes Jahr ausbauen.
We want to expand the terrace next year.
To distinguish between 'Erweiterung' (expansion) and 'Entfernung' (removal), pay attention to the object. The 'Ausbau' of large systems such as 'Netz' (network), 'Infrastruktur' (infrastructure), or 'Angebot' (offering/service range) means expansion. The 'Ausbau' of specific components such as 'Motor' (engine), 'Festplatte' (hard drive), or 'Bauteil' (component) means their removal.
Der Ausbau der erneuerbaren Energien ist ein politisches Ziel.
The expansion of renewable energies is a political goal.
In the most common meaning 'Erweiterung' (expansion), 'Ausbau' is often used for public or technical projects. Typical examples are 'Ausbau des öffentlichen Nahverkehrs' (expansion of public transport), 'Ausbau der Kinderbetreuung' (expansion of childcare), or 'Ausbau des Stromnetzes' (expansion of the power grid).
Die Bürger fordern einen schnelleren Ausbau der Radwege.
Citizens are demanding a faster expansion of bike paths.
When it is about buildings, 'Ausbau' describes converting an unfinished room into usable living space. Typical projects are 'Ausbau des Dachbodens' (conversion of the attic) or 'Ausbau des Kellers' (conversion of the basement).
Für den Ausbau des Kellers zu einem Hobbyraum brauchen wir eine Genehmigung.
For the conversion of the basement into a hobby room, we need a permit.
In connection with wine, 'Ausbau' is a technical term from winemaking. It describes the maturation process after fermentation and is often combined with the storage location, e.g. 'Ausbau im Holzfass' (aging in a wooden barrel).
Der Ausbau im Stahltank verleiht diesem Weißwein seine frische Note.
Aging in a steel tank gives this white wine its fresh note.
expansion / extension
Ausbau and Erweiterung can both mean making something existing larger. Ausbau can additionally improve its quality or performance, while Erweiterung emphasizes increased scope or newly added parts. When the focus is simply on making something larger, either word is often possible.
Der Ausbau des Bahnnetzes verbessert mit moderneren Signalen die Leistung der vorhandenen Strecken.
Expanding the rail network and installing modern signals will improve the performance of the existing lines.
Die Erweiterung des Bahnnetzes um zwei neue Linien verbindet weitere Stadtteile.
The expansion of the rail network to include two new lines connects additional neighborhoods.
