renovation / restructuring
Loading your saved state.
renovation / conversion
The structural alteration of a building, apartment, or room in which the structure is changed, modernized, or adapted for a new purpose.
Der Umbau des alten Kinos in ein Wohnhaus wird voraussichtlich ein Jahr dauern.
The conversion of the old cinema into an apartment building is expected to take a year.
'Der Umbau' (renovation/conversion; restructuring) is a noun derived from the separable verb 'umbauen' (to rebuild; to remodel; to restructure). The prefix 'um-' signals a change or transformation, while 'bauen' refers to building.
Wir planen, die Garage in ein Büro umzubauen.
We are planning to convert the garage into an office.
When a building is currently being renovated, the construction 'im Umbau sein' (to be under renovation) is often used. The preposition 'im' indicates an ongoing process here.
Der Supermarkt ist wegen Umbau geschlossen.
The supermarket is closed for renovation.
Whether the literal meaning (building) or the figurative meaning (organization) is intended can be recognized from context. Words like 'Haus' (house) or 'Bahnhof' (train station) point to actual construction, while 'Team' (team) or 'Firma' (company) suggest restructuring.
Der Umbau des alten Bahnhofs hat begonnen.
The renovation of the old train station has begun.
expansion / removal
'der Ausbau' and 'der Umbau' can both have to do with work on buildings or rooms, or also with changes in organizations. 'der Ausbau' usually means that something is expanded, completed, or made more usable. 'der Umbau' means that something is changed in its form or structure. The words are easy to confuse because both often happen during construction work. A simple guide is: with 'Ausbau', something is added or completed; with 'Umbau', something is arranged differently or redesigned.
Während des Umbaus der Küche können wir dort nicht kochen.
During the kitchen renovation, we cannot cook there.
Der Ausbau des Dachbodens schafft Platz für ein neues Arbeitszimmer.
Converting the attic creates space for a new home office.