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.
to dispel
To remove a misunderstanding, doubt, or problem by talking about it and clarifying it.
In einem langen Gespräch konnten die beiden endlich alle Zweifel ausräumen.
In a long conversation, the two of them were finally able to dispel all doubts.
'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 clarify
When there is a misunderstanding, both klären and ausräumen are often possible. Klären emphasizes that the people involved establish clarity and understand the matter. Ausräumen focuses more strongly on the result: afterward, the misunderstanding no longer exists.
In einem ruhigen Gespräch räumen die Nachbarn das Missverständnis aus.
The neighbors dispel the misunderstanding in a calm conversation.
In einem ruhigen Gespräch klären die Nachbarn das Missverständnis.
The neighbors clear up the misunderstanding in a calm conversation.
