ausbauen
to expand
To expand, remodel, or make part of a building usable for a new purpose.
EXAMPLE
Nächstes Jahr wollen wir den Dachboden zu einem weiteren Zimmer ausbauen.
Next year we want to convert the attic into another room.
ausbauen
to expand / to remove
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Meanings
ausbauen
to expand
To enlarge, improve, or further develop something abstract, for example a skill, a position, or a relationship.
EXAMPLE
Die Firma möchte ihre Marktposition in Asien weiter ausbauen.
The company wants to further expand its market position in Asia.
ausbauen
to remove
To remove a component from a larger machine or device; to disassemble.
EXAMPLE
Der Mechaniker musste den alten Motor ausbauen, bevor er den neuen einsetzen konnte.
The mechanic had to remove the old engine before he could install the new one.
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Ausbauen' (to expand / to remove) is a separable verb. In a main clause, the prefix 'aus' separates and moves to the end of the sentence. In the infinitive with 'zu', 'zu' stands between the prefix and the verb.
EXAMPLE
Mein Nachbar baut seine Garage aus.
My neighbor is expanding his garage.
Context clue
The object of the verb reveals the meaning: a part of a building ('Dachboden' — attic) is expanded, something abstract ('Position' — position) is improved, or a component ('Motor' — engine) is removed.
EXAMPLE
Wir bauen unsere Terrasse aus.
We are expanding our terrace.
Sentence structure for remodeling
When describing what something is remodeled into, you use the construction 'zu etwas (Dativ) ausbauen' (to convert something into something).
EXAMPLE
Sie haben den alten Stall zu einer modernen Wohnung ausgebaut.
They converted the old stable into a modern apartment.
Typical collocations
In the figurative sense, 'ausbauen' (to expand) is often used with abstract nouns, such as: eine Führungsposition ausbauen (to expand a leadership position), einen Vorsprung ausbauen (to extend a lead), das Netzwerk ausbauen (to expand the network), or die eigenen Fähigkeiten ausbauen (to develop one's own skills).
EXAMPLE
Durch den Sieg konnte die Mannschaft ihren Vorsprung in der Tabelle ausbauen.
With the victory, the team was able to extend its lead in the table.
Compare with
ausbauen vs aufbauen
to build up
When developing an organization, skill, or relationship, both aufbauen and ausbauen can be appropriate. Aufbauen focuses more on creating a foundation, while ausbauen enlarges, improves, or further develops something that already exists. Aufbauen is appropriate for a new beginning; when there is already a foundation, ausbauen is more suitable.
ausbauen
Nach der Gründung baut das Team die bestehende Organisation mit neuen Angeboten aus.
After it was founded, the team expanded the existing organization with new services.
aufbauen
Nach der Gründung baut das Team die neue Organisation gemeinsam auf.
After it was founded, the team built up the new organization together.
In real life
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