excavation
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excavation
The process of systematically uncovering remains from past times that are hidden in the ground, especially in archaeology.
Die Ausgrabung der römischen Villa dauerte mehrere Jahre.
The excavation of the Roman villa took several years.
excavation site
A place where archaeological excavations are taking place or have taken place; an excavation site.
Touristen können die Ausgrabung von Pompeji besichtigen.
Tourists can visit the excavation site of Pompeii.
excavated finds
The totality of the objects found during an archaeological dig. In this meaning, the plural is often used.
Die wertvollsten Ausgrabungen werden im Nationalmuseum ausgestellt.
The most valuable excavated finds are displayed in the national museum.
The word 'Ausgrabung' (excavation) is derived from the separable verb 'ausgraben' (to dig up / to excavate). It consists of the prefix 'aus-' (out), the verb 'graben' (to dig), and the ending '-ung', which describes an action or its result.
Archäologen graben hier nach römischen Artefakten.
Archaeologists are digging here for Roman artifacts.
The exact meaning of 'Ausgrabung' (excavation) depends on the verb. 'Eine Ausgrabung leiten' (to lead an excavation) refers to the process. 'Eine Ausgrabung besichtigen' (to visit an excavation site) means the place. 'Die Ausgrabungen ausstellen' (to exhibit the excavated finds), usually in the plural, refers to the objects found.
Die Archäologin leitet die Ausgrabung persönlich.
The archaeologist is personally leading the excavation.
When the process of digging is meant, the word is often combined with verbs such as 'durchführen' (to carry out), 'leiten' (to lead), or 'beginnen' (to begin). It is also frequently used with 'archäologisch' (archaeological).
Nächstes Jahr wird eine neue archäologische Ausgrabung durchgeführt.
A new archaeological excavation will be carried out next year.
When 'Ausgrabung' (excavation site) means the place, different prepositions are used. You can say 'die Ausgrabung besichtigen' (to visit the excavation site), without a preposition, but you work 'auf der Ausgrabung' (at/on the excavation site).
Als Student hat er den Sommer über auf einer Ausgrabung in Ägypten gearbeitet.
As a student, he worked at an excavation site in Egypt over the summer.
excavation
In archaeology, Ausgrabung and Grabung both refer to systematically uncovering hidden finds. Grabung is more of a technical term for the organized investigation, while Ausgrabung places more emphasis on uncovering and recovering the finds. Use Grabung for the project and Ausgrabung also for the process of uncovering the finds.
Bei der Ausgrabung legte das Team die Mauern einer alten Siedlung frei.
During the excavation, the team uncovered the walls of an ancient settlement.
Die archäologische Grabung auf dem Hügel dauert noch bis zum Herbst.
The archaeological excavation on the hill will continue until the fall.
