01
ausbessern
to patch up
To repair small damage, cracks, or holes in something in order to make it usable or presentable again.
example
Ich muss noch das Loch in meiner Jeans ausbessern.
I still have to patch up the hole in my jeans.
ausbessern
to patch up / repair
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Meanings
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Ausbessern' (to patch up / repair) is a separable verb. In a main clause, the prefix 'aus' goes at the end of the sentence.
EXAMPLE
Der Maler bessert die Risse in der Wand aus.
The painter patches up the cracks in the wall.
Word structure
The word is made up of 'aus' and 'bessern' (to improve/make better). It describes the action of fixing a mistake or damage in order to improve the condition again.
EXAMPLE
Kannst du bitte die Tippfehler im Dokument ausbessern?
Could you please correct the typos in the document?
Typical collocations
'Ausbessern' (to patch up / repair) is used for small repairs. Typical objects are 'Löcher' (holes) in clothing or roads, 'Risse' (cracks) in walls, 'Schäden' (damage) to furniture, or also 'Fehler' (errors/mistakes) in a text.
EXAMPLE
Die Stadt lässt die Schlaglöcher auf der Hauptstraße ausbessern.
The city is having the potholes on the main road patched up.
Compare with
ausbessern vs verbessern
to improve
'verbessern' and 'ausbessern' can both mean that something is in a better condition afterward. 'verbessern' is general and can refer to many things, for example skills, quality, or a situation. 'ausbessern' is used much more narrowly: it is about repairing small damage, cracks, or holes. Learners may confuse the words because when you 'ausbessern' something, it can also look better or work better. But 'ausbessern' only fits when something is physically damaged.
ausbessern
Der Handwerker bessert das Loch in der Wand aus.
The handyman is patching up the hole in the wall.
verbessern
Meine Nachbarin verbessert ihre Deutschkenntnisse mit einem Abendkurs.
My neighbor is improving her German skills with an evening course.
In real life
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