to reconstruct
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to reconstruct
To mentally or verbally trace and piece together the course of an event or situation, often on the basis of clues, evidence, or memories.
Die Polizei versucht, den Tathergang zu rekonstruieren.
The police are trying to reconstruct the course of the crime.
The verb is made up of the prefix 're-' (again) and the verb 'konstruieren' (to build, to assemble). So the literal meaning is 'wieder zusammensetzen' (to put back together) or 'wiederherstellen' (to restore).
Archäologen versuchen, das Leben in der antiken Stadt zu rekonstruieren.
Archaeologists are trying to reconstruct life in the ancient city.
'Rekonstruieren' (to reconstruct) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 're-' remains firmly attached to the verb stem in all sentence forms and tenses.
Man rekonstruierte die Fassade des Schlosses nach alten Fotos.
They reconstructed the facade of the castle based on old photos.
The object of the verb reveals the meaning. If you reconstruct an abstract event, for example an accident or a story, it means tracing and piecing it together. If you reconstruct a physical object, for example a building or a skeleton, it means restoring or recreating it.
Die Ermittler rekonstruieren die letzten Stunden des Opfers.
The investigators are reconstructing the victim's final hours.
When it is about tracing the course of events, 'rekonstruieren' (to reconstruct) is often used with objects such as 'den Unfallhergang' (the course of the accident), 'die Ereignisse' (the events), or 'den Ablauf' (the sequence/course).
Anhand der Zeugenaussagen konnte der Unfallhergang exakt rekonstruiert werden.
Based on the witness statements, the course of the accident could be reconstructed exactly.
When referring to rebuilding, the verb is often combined with the adverb 'originalgetreu' (true to the original). Typical objects are 'Gebäude' (buildings), 'Maschinen' (machines), or 'Kleidung aus einer bestimmten Epoche' (clothing from a particular era).
Die Altstadt wurde nach dem Krieg originalgetreu rekonstruiert.
The old town was reconstructed true to the original after the war.
to determine / investigate
'ermitteln' and 'rekonstruieren' both have to do with careful investigation. 'ermitteln' means finding out facts or information, for example who did something or what happened. 'rekonstruieren' means piecing together a sequence of events from clues. So you can first investigate and then reconstruct how something happened. The words can be confused because both often occur in contexts involving the police, accidents, or investigations. 'ermitteln' fits more with searching for facts, while 'rekonstruieren' fits more with tracing a whole sequence of events.
Nach dem Unfall rekonstruieren die Experten den genauen Ablauf.
After the accident, the experts reconstruct the exact sequence of events.
Die Polizei ermittelt, wer das Fahrrad gestohlen hat.
The police are investigating who stole the bicycle.