01
ausgraben
to dig up
To get something out of the ground by digging.
example
Archäologen haben in Ägypten ein altes Pharaonengrab ausgegraben.
Archaeologists have dug up an ancient pharaoh's tomb in Egypt.
ausgraben
to dig up
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 03
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Ausgraben' (to dig up) is a separable verb. The prefix 'aus-' comes at the end in main clauses. In subordinate clauses, the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Im Garten gräbt mein Hund ständig Knochen aus.
In the garden, my dog is constantly digging up bones.
Word structure
The verb is made up of 'aus' (out) and 'graben' (to dig). The literal meaning is therefore 'to get something out by digging.' The figurative meanings come from this idea of bringing something hidden to light.
EXAMPLE
Für die Feier hat sie ihr schönstes Kleid ausgegraben.
For the party, she dug out her most beautiful dress.
Context clue
The context reveals the meaning. If it is about physical objects in the ground (treasure, bones, plants), the literal meaning is intended. If it is about abstract things (stories, information, secrets), the figurative meaning is intended.
EXAMPLE
Wir müssen die alten Kartoffeln ausgraben.
We have to dig up the old potatoes.
Typical collocations
When it is about bringing up old topics again, 'ausgraben' (to dig up / dredge up) is often combined with negative things or things from long ago. Typical phrases are 'alte Geschichten' (old stories), 'die Vergangenheit' (the past), or 'alte Vorwürfe' (old accusations) ausgraben.
EXAMPLE
Jedes Mal, wenn wir streiten, gräbst du die Vergangenheit aus.
Every time we argue, you dredge up the past.
Compare with
ausgraben vs begraben
to bury
'begraben' and 'ausgraben' describe opposite movements connected with earth or other material. With 'begraben', someone or something is placed in the ground or covered by earth, snow, or rubble. With 'ausgraben', you get something out of the ground again by digging. The words can be confused because both have to do with digging and earth. Pay attention to the direction: 'begraben' means into or underneath; 'ausgraben' means out.
ausgraben
Im Garten gräbt Tom eine alte Münze aus.
Tom digs up an old coin in the garden.
begraben
Die Kinder begraben die kleine Kiste im Garten.
The children bury the small box in the garden.
In real life
Loading video examples...