excavation
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excavation
The activity of systematically digging in the ground, especially in archaeological investigations, in order to uncover finds and features. The excavation site itself is often also referred to this way.
Bei der Grabung am alten Marktplatz wurden Reste einer römischen Villa entdeckt.
During the excavation at the old marketplace, remains of a Roman villa were discovered.
The noun 'Grabung' (excavation) is derived from the verb 'graben' (to dig). The ending '-ung' is often used to form a feminine noun from a verb that describes the action or the result.
Das Graben in dieser historischen Zone ist verboten.
Digging in this historic zone is forbidden.
In the context of archaeology, 'Grabung' (excavation) is often used with certain verbs. Typical combinations are 'eine Grabung durchführen' (to carry out an excavation), 'eine Grabung leiten' (to lead an excavation), or 'an einer Grabung teilnehmen' (to take part in an excavation).
Ein Team von Archäologen wird die Grabung leiten.
A team of archaeologists will lead the excavation.
This word is used almost exclusively in a scientific context, especially in archaeology and paleontology. 'Eine archäologische Grabung' (an archaeological excavation) is a very common word combination.
Die archäologische Grabung brachte erstaunliche Funde zutage.
The archaeological excavation brought amazing finds to light.
excavation
'die Ausgrabung' and 'die Grabung' can both mean systematic work in the ground, especially in archaeology. In many situations, they are very similar. 'Ausgrabung' puts more emphasis on old remains or objects being uncovered. The word can also refer to the place where the work is done. 'Grabung' is a bit shorter and more technical; it means the digging work itself and often also the site where digging takes place. Learners may confuse the words because both fit archaeological projects. In everyday language, 'Ausgrabung' is often easier to understand; in specialist texts, you also often hear or read 'Grabung'.
Am Montag beginnt die Grabung auf dem Feld hinter dem Museum.
The excavation in the field behind the museum begins on Monday.
Die Ausgrabung neben der alten Kirche dauert noch bis zum Herbst.
The excavation next to the old church will continue until autumn.