01
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
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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 entfernen
to remove
'entfernen' and 'ausbauen' can both mean that something no longer stays in its previous place. 'entfernen' is more general: you take something away or get rid of it, for example dirt, a file, or a part. 'ausbauen' fits more specifically when a component is removed from a device, a car, or a machine. This often suggests work with tools. If it is not about an installed part, 'entfernen' usually sounds more natural.
ausbauen
Selma baut morgen die defekte Festplatte aus dem Computer aus.
Selma is removing the defective hard drive from the computer tomorrow.
entfernen
Wir haben den alten Kleber vom Fenster entfernt.
We removed the old glue from the window.
In real life
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