to expand
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to expand
To actively increase something in its scope, size, or reach. This can refer to areas, services, or conflicts.
Das Unternehmen plant, seine Geschäftstätigkeit auf den europäischen Markt auszuweiten.
The company plans to expand its business activities into the European market.
'Ausweiten' (to expand) is a separable verb. The prefix 'aus-' comes at the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
Die Firma weitet ihr Angebot aus.
The company is expanding its range of services.
The difference between the meanings lies in the grammar. When a person or company actively makes something larger, it is called 'etwas ausweiten' (to expand something). When something becomes larger on its own, you use the reflexive form 'sich ausweiten' (to expand/spread).
Wir weiten unsere Suche auf die Nachbarstadt aus.
We are expanding our search to the neighboring town.
When something is actively made larger, typical objects are abstract things such as: expanding the range of services, cooperation, business activities, or one's own influence.
Die Supermarktkette will ihr Filialnetz ausweiten.
The supermarket chain wants to expand its branch network.
The reflexive form 'sich ausweiten' (to expand/spread) is very often used for negative or uncontrolled developments, for example when a fire, a conflict, a crisis, or an illness spreads.
Der politische Skandal weitete sich schnell zu einer Regierungskrise aus.
The political scandal quickly expanded into a government crisis.
to expand
'erweitern' and 'ausweiten' both mean that something becomes larger or covers a larger area. 'erweitern' often sounds neutral and works well when something is expanded by adding new parts, for example knowledge, a range of services, or a building. 'ausweiten' puts more emphasis on reach or scope, often with measures, areas, problems, or conflicts. Learners may confuse the words because both mean 'to make larger'. As a guide: you often 'erweitern' something by adding to it; you 'ausweiten' something when it extends to more people, places, or time.
Die Firma hat den Lieferservice auf die ganze Stadt ausgeweitet.
The company expanded its delivery service to the whole city.
Wir erweitern unsere Küche, weil die Familie größer geworden ist.
We are expanding our kitchen because the family has grown.