to clear out / dispel
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to clear out
To empty a room, piece of furniture, or container by removing all the objects from it.
Wir müssen den Keller komplett ausräumen, bevor wir ihn renovieren können.
We have to completely clear out the basement before we can renovate it.
'Ausräumen' (to clear out / dispel) is a separable verb. The prefix 'aus' goes to the end in a main clause, while it remains attached to the verb in a subordinate clause.
Bitte räum deinen Schreibtisch aus.
Please clear out your desk.
You can recognize the meaning of 'ausräumen' (to clear out / dispel) from the object. If it refers to a concrete place or container, it means 'to empty'. If it refers to something abstract like doubts or problems, it means 'to eliminate' or 'to dispel'.
Sie räumte die alte Kommode aus. (leeren)
She cleared out the old dresser. (to empty)
In the literal meaning, 'ausräumen' (to clear out) is often used with furniture, rooms, or containers. Typical combinations are: 'den Schrank ausräumen' (to clear out the wardrobe/cabinet), 'die Spülmaschine ausräumen' (to unload the dishwasher), or 'das Zimmer ausräumen' (to clear out the room).
Jeden Samstag muss ich den Kühlschrank ausräumen und putzen.
Every Saturday I have to clear out and clean the refrigerator.
In the figurative meaning, 'ausräumen' (to dispel) is combined with abstract nouns. Common phrases are: 'Missverständnisse ausräumen' (to clear up misunderstandings), 'Zweifel ausräumen' (to dispel doubts), or 'Bedenken ausräumen' (to dispel concerns).
Ein offenes Gespräch kann viele Missverständnisse ausräumen.
An open conversation can clear up many misunderstandings.
to solve / loosen
'lösen' and 'ausräumen' can both mean that a problem no longer exists. 'lösen' is more general: you find an answer or a solution, for example to a task, a puzzle, or a practical problem. 'ausräumen' is especially used for misunderstandings, doubts, or problems between people. Often, something is clarified through a conversation. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with clarification. As a simple guide: you solve a task with 'lösen', but you clear up a misunderstanding with 'ausräumen'.
Im Gespräch räumen die Kollegen das Missverständnis schnell aus.
In the conversation, the colleagues quickly clear up the misunderstanding.
Nach langem Nachdenken löst Anna die schwierige Aufgabe.
After thinking for a long time, Anna solves the difficult task.