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.
to expand
To become larger or spread on its own.
Der Waldbrand hat sich wegen des starken Windes schnell ausgeweitet.
The forest fire expanded quickly because of the strong wind.
'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 emphasizes that an offering or area is gaining new components. Ausweiten focuses more on a greater reach, broader scope, or stronger effect. Use erweitern for additional content and ausweiten when what already exists extends to more areas or people.
Das Museum weitet sein Ferienprogramm auf weitere Stadtteile aus.
The museum is extending its holiday program to additional districts.
Das Museum erweitert sein Ferienprogramm um einen zusätzlichen Workshop.
The museum is expanding its holiday program by adding an extra workshop.
