development / buildings
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development
The process or result of constructing buildings on a plot of land or in an area. It also describes the totality of the buildings present in an area.
Die dichte Bebauung in der Innenstadt lässt wenig Platz für Grünflächen.
The dense development in the city center leaves little room for green spaces.
buildings
The totality of the buildings that stand on a particular plot of land or in an area, viewed as an existing state.
Die historische Bebauung des Marktplatzes steht unter Denkmalschutz.
The historic buildings around the marketplace are protected as monuments.
The word 'Bebauung' (development/buildings) is derived from the verb 'bebauen' (to build on/develop). This in turn comes from 'bauen' (to build). The prefix 'be-' describes that an area (e.g., a plot of land) is provided with buildings. The ending '-ung' turns it into a noun that describes the process or the result.
Die Gemeinde plant, das alte Fabrikgelände neu zu bebauen.
The municipality plans to redevelop the old factory site.
'Bebauung' (development/buildings) is a typical word from administrative and specialized language. It is often found in texts about architecture, urban planning, real estate, and in official documents.
Der Bebauungsplan für das neue Wohngebiet wurde genehmigt.
The development plan for the new residential area was approved.
Common adjectives that describe the type of 'Bebauung' (development/buildings) are 'dicht' (dense), 'locker' (loose/low-density), 'historisch' (historic), 'modern' (modern), or 'städtisch' (urban).
Am Stadtrand findet man eher eine lockere Bebauung mit Gärten.
On the outskirts of the city, you tend to find lower-density development with gardens.
construction / building
Bau can refer to a single building or to the project of constructing it. Bebauung, by contrast, relates to a plot of land or an entire area and refers there to the process, the resulting state, or the totality of the buildings. Use Bau for a single house and Bebauung for the area.
Die Bebauung des Grundstücks mit mehreren Häusern beginnt im Herbst.
Development of the plot with several houses begins in the fall.
Der Bau des neuen Hauses auf dem Grundstück beginnt im Herbst.
Construction of the new house on the plot begins in the fall.
