to spread / spread out
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to spread
To extend or distribute itself over a larger area or space. This can refer to diseases, fire, plants, or even ideas.
Das Feuer breitete sich rasend schnell im ganzen Gebäude aus.
The fire spread incredibly quickly throughout the whole building.
'Ausbreiten' (to spread/spread out) is a separable verb. The prefix 'aus-' goes at the end in a main clause; in subordinate clauses it remains connected to the verb, and in the infinitive 'zu' stands between 'aus' and 'breiten'.
Sie breitet die Decke auf der Wiese aus.
She spreads out the blanket on the meadow.
The verb is made up of the prefix 'aus-' and the verb 'breiten' (to make something broad/wide). The prefix 'aus-' reinforces the idea of outward movement or an increase in area.
Der Geruch von frisch gebackenem Brot breitete sich im ganzen Haus aus.
The smell of freshly baked bread spread throughout the whole house.
When something gets larger or distributes itself on its own, the reflexive form 'sich ausbreiten' (to spread) is used. When a person actively unfolds something, the verb is used transitively, that is, with an accusative object.
Die Wüstenpflanze breitet ihre Wurzeln weit aus.
The desert plant spreads its roots far out.
The reflexive form 'sich ausbreiten' (to spread) is often used for things that spread uncontrollably or naturally. Typical subjects are: a fire, a disease, a rumor, a plant, or a mood.
Das Gerücht über seine Kündigung breitete sich schnell in der Firma aus.
The rumor about his dismissal spread quickly through the company.
When you actively spread something out, the objects are typically folded or rolled-up things. Common examples are: 'eine Decke' (a blanket), 'eine Landkarte' (a map), 'ein Handtuch' (a towel), or 'ein Plan' (a plan).
Er breitete den Stadtplan auf dem Tisch aus, um den Weg zu finden.
He spread out the city map on the table to find the way.
In this figurative meaning, 'ausbreiten' (to lay out) often has a slightly negative connotation. It means that someone tells too many private details. Typical objects are 'sein Privatleben' (one's private life), 'seine Probleme' (one's problems), or 'alle Details' (all the details).
Vor Gericht musste sie die ganze Geschichte bis ins Detail ausbreiten.
In court, she had to lay out the whole story in detail.
to distribute / spread
'verteilen' and 'ausbreiten' can both describe something spreading over a surface or through a space. 'verteilen' often emphasizes that something is brought to different places or covers a surface evenly. 'sich ausbreiten' is used more when something grows larger or expands through space on its own, for example smoke, fire, plants, or a disease. 'ausbreiten' can also mean laying something folded out flat. There is a risk of confusion because both words can fit with surfaces. For actively handing something out or placing it evenly, 'verteilen' is more natural; for growth or expansion, 'sich ausbreiten' is more precise.
Der Rauch hat sich schnell im Treppenhaus ausgebreitet.
The smoke spread quickly through the stairwell.
In der Pause verteilt er die Flyer vor dem Eingang.
During the break, he distributes the flyers in front of the entrance.