01
erweitern
to expand
To make something larger in size, area, or extent.
example
Die Firma plant, ihre Produktionshalle zu erweitern.
The company plans to expand its production hall.
erweitern
to expand
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word formation
The verb 'erweitern' (to expand) is derived from the adjective 'weit' (wide / far). The prefix 'er-' and the ending '-n' turn it into a verb that describes the process of making something 'weit' or 'weiter' (wider / further).
EXAMPLE
Die Stadt will das Netz der Fahrradwege erweitern.
The city wants to expand the network of bike paths.
Inseparable verb
The prefix 'er-' is inseparable. It remains directly attached to the verb stem in all sentence forms and tenses.
EXAMPLE
Er hat seine Sprachkenntnisse im Ausland erweitert.
He expanded his language skills abroad.
Concrete vs. abstract objects
The object of the verb indicates the meaning. Concrete objects like 'Haus' (house) or 'Garten' (garden) mean an increase in area. Abstract objects like 'Wissen' (knowledge) or 'Angebot' (offerings) mean an expansion in content.
EXAMPLE
Wir müssen das Wohnzimmer um einen Anbau erweitern.
We need to expand the living room with an extension.
Typical collocations
In a figurative sense, 'erweitern' (to expand) is very often used with abstract nouns such as 'Wissen' (knowledge), 'Kenntnisse' (skills / knowledge), 'Fähigkeiten' (abilities), or 'Horizont' (horizon).
EXAMPLE
Durch Reisen kann man seinen Horizont erweitern.
Traveling can expand your horizons.
Compare with
erweitern vs ergänzen
to add / supplement
'erweitern' and 'ergänzen' both mean that something is added. The difference lies in the goal. With 'erweitern', you make something larger or more extensive, for example a range of services, knowledge, or a plan. With 'ergänzen', you add something that is missing or that makes information more complete. Learners may confuse the words because in both cases something is added. If the whole thing is meant to become larger, 'erweitern' fits. If something is not yet complete or an additional comment is being added, 'ergänzen' fits better.
erweitern
Zu Hause erweitert Lisa ihre Präsentation um zwei neue Beispiele.
At home, Lisa expands her presentation by adding two new examples.
ergänzen
Herr Wagner ergänzt nach dem Gespräch noch eine wichtige Information.
After the conversation, Mr. Wagner adds one more important piece of information.
In real life
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