spread / propagation
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spread
The process by which something (e.g., a disease, a piece of news, a fire, an animal species) spreads over a larger geographic area or to more individuals.
Die Behörden versuchen, die Ausbreitung des Waldbrandes zu verhindern.
The authorities are trying to prevent the spread of the forest fire.
'Die Ausbreitung' (spread / propagation) is the noun form of the reflexive verb 'sich ausbreiten' (to spread). It derives from the adjective 'breit' (wide) and describes the process by which something occupies a larger area or space.
Das Feuer breitete sich schnell im ganzen Gebäude aus.
The fire spread quickly throughout the whole building.
This word is often used for things that spread uncontrollably. Typical examples are the spread of a disease, a virus, a fire, or even rumors and news.
Die schnelle Ausbreitung der Nachricht überraschte alle.
The rapid spread of the news surprised everyone.
The thing that is spreading usually appears in the genitive directly after the noun or is connected with 'von' + dative. Common verbs in this context are 'verhindern' (to prevent), 'stoppen' (to stop), and 'eindämmen' (to contain).
Die Regierung will die Ausbreitung des Virus eindämmen.
The government wants to contain the spread of the virus.
In physics, 'Ausbreitung' (propagation) describes the movement of waves. If you read the word in connection with 'Licht' (light), 'Schall' (sound), or 'Wellen' (waves), this technical meaning is intended.
Wir untersuchen die Ausbreitung von Schallwellen unter Wasser.
We are studying the propagation of sound waves underwater.
spread / distribution
'die Verbreitung' and 'die Ausbreitung' are very close when something spreads to more places or people. Both fit, for example, with diseases, news, or animal species. 'Ausbreitung' often emphasizes the active process more strongly: something spreads farther, sometimes quickly or dangerously, like fire or a disease. 'Verbreitung' can also sound more neutral and often means that something reaches many people, places, or areas. The words are easy to confuse because they work similarly in many situations. For a process that moves farther through space, 'Ausbreitung' is often very natural; for information or general reach, 'Verbreitung' works well.
Die Feuerwehr konnte die Ausbreitung des Feuers schnell stoppen.
The fire department was able to stop the spread of the fire quickly.
Die Verbreitung der Information über die neue App lief vor allem über soziale Medien.
The spread of information about the new app mainly happened through social media.