to dismantle / to demolish
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to dismantle
To take something apart into its individual parts, for example a machine, a piece of furniture, or a system.
Der Mechaniker musste den gesamten Motor demontieren, um den Schaden zu finden.
The mechanic had to dismantle the entire engine to find the damage.
to demolish
In a figurative sense: to systematically destroy the credibility or authority of someone or something; to expose something as false or unfounded.
In der Diskussion hat die Expertin die Argumente ihres Gegners Punkt für Punkt demontiert.
In the discussion, the expert demolished her opponent's arguments point by point.
The verb 'demontieren' (to dismantle) is the opposite of 'montieren' (to assemble). The prefix 'de-' here expresses reversal or removal.
Zuerst müssen wir das alte Regal demontieren, bevor wir das neue aufbauen.
First we have to dismantle the old shelf before we assemble the new one.
The meaning depends on the object. If it is a physical object (engine, cabinet), taking it apart is meant. With abstract things (arguments, reputation), it is about the figurative meaning of destroying authority.
Der Techniker demontierte die Klimaanlage für die Wartung.
The technician dismantled the air-conditioning unit for maintenance.
In the figurative meaning, 'demontieren' (to demolish) is often used with abstract nouns, for example 'Argumente demontieren' (to demolish arguments), 'einen Mythos demontieren' (to demolish a myth), or 'einen Gegner demontieren' (to demolish an opponent).
Die Anwältin konnte die Argumente der Gegenseite leicht demontieren.
The lawyer was able to easily demolish the opposing side's arguments.
to expand / to remove
Both verbs can refer to removing a built-in component. “Ausbauen” focuses on taking the component out as a complete unit, while “demontieren” places more emphasis on taking it apart into individual parts. If the component can be removed intact, “ausbauen” is more precise; when it is taken apart, use “demontieren”.
Der Mechaniker demontiert den Motor, weil er ihn bis zu den kleinsten Teilen zerlegen muss.
The mechanic is dismantling the engine because he needs to take it apart down to its smallest components.
Der Mechaniker baut den Motor vorsichtig als vollständige Einheit aus dem Auto aus.
The mechanic is carefully removing the engine from the car as a complete unit.
