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.
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
'der Ausbau' and 'die Erweiterung' are very close in meaning when something existing is made larger or more comprehensive. Both words fit, for example, with roads, networks, services, or buildings. 'die Erweiterung' can also mean the additional part itself, that is, something that is added. 'der Ausbau' often emphasizes the process or the planned development of something that already exists. In many everyday situations, the two words can be used in similar ways.
Für die Erweiterung der Schule werden zwei neue Räume gebaut.
Two new rooms are being built for the expansion of the school.
Die Stadt plant den Ausbau des Busnetzes.
The city is planning the expansion of the bus network.