expansion / extension
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expansion
The process of making something larger, broader, or more comprehensive in terms of space, content, or scope.
Die Erweiterung des U-Bahn-Netzes ist für die nächsten zehn Jahre geplant.
The expansion of the subway network is planned for the next ten years.
extension / add-on
An additional part that is built onto or added to something existing, e.g. an extension to a building or an add-on for software.
Für dieses Computerspiel gibt es eine neue Erweiterung mit zusätzlichen Missionen.
There is a new expansion for this computer game with additional missions.
The word is derived from the verb 'erweitern' (to expand/extend), which means 'to make wider/broader.' The ending '-ung' turns the action into a noun. 'Die Erweiterung' (the expansion/extension) is therefore the act of expanding or the result of it.
Wir wollen unsere Terrasse erweitern.
We want to extend our terrace.
To say what is being expanded or extended, German usually uses the genitive or the preposition 'von' (of/from). Both are correct and very common.
Die Erweiterung des Museums zieht viele neue Besucher an.
The expansion of the museum attracts many new visitors.
When referring to the process of expanding, the word is often used for abstract things. Typical combinations are 'die Erweiterung des Horizonts' (the broadening of one's horizons), 'die Erweiterung des Wissens' (the expansion of knowledge), or 'die Erweiterung des Angebots' (the expansion of the offering/range).
Reisen dient der Erweiterung des eigenen Horizonts.
Travel serves to broaden one's own horizons.
As a term for an additional part, 'Erweiterung' (extension/add-on) is often found in technical or construction contexts. Examples include software extensions (add-ons) or the extension of a building (annex).
Ich habe eine neue Erweiterung für meinen Browser installiert.
I installed a new extension for my browser.
expansion / removal
Ausbau and Erweiterung can both mean making something existing larger. Ausbau can additionally improve its quality or performance, while Erweiterung emphasizes increased scope or newly added parts. When the focus is simply on making something larger, either word is often possible.
Die Erweiterung des Bahnnetzes um zwei neue Linien verbindet weitere Stadtteile.
The expansion of the rail network to include two new lines connects additional neighborhoods.
Der Ausbau des Bahnnetzes verbessert mit moderneren Signalen die Leistung der vorhandenen Strecken.
Expanding the rail network and installing modern signals will improve the performance of the existing lines.
