spread / distribution
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spread
The process by which something (e.g., information, a disease, ideas) extends over a large area or reaches many people.
Die schnelle Verbreitung der Nachricht wurde durch soziale Medien ermöglicht.
The rapid spread of the news was made possible by social media.
The noun 'die Verbreitung' (spread/distribution) comes from the verb 'verbreiten' (to spread/distribute). This verb is made up of the prefix 'ver-' and the adjective 'breit' (wide/broad), and literally means to make something 'wide' or to extend it.
Das Internet hilft dabei, neue Ideen schnell zu verbreiten.
The internet helps spread new ideas quickly.
To express what is spreading, the genitive is often used. Alternatively, especially in spoken language, you can also use the preposition 'von' with the dative.
Die Verbreitung des neuen Produkts läuft sehr gut.
The distribution of the new product is going very well.
In connection with news or diseases, you often hear about 'schnelle' or 'rasche Verbreitung' (rapid spread). Typical verbs are 'verhindern' (to prevent), 'stoppen' (to stop), or 'eindämmen' (to contain).
Die Regierung versucht, die Verbreitung des Virus einzudämmen.
The government is trying to contain the spread of the virus.
When it is about biology or geography, 'Verbreitung' means the spatial distribution of a species. Signal words for this include 'Tierart' (animal species), 'Pflanze' (plant), 'Lebensraum' (habitat), or geographical names.
Die Karte zeigt die Verbreitung dieser Pflanzenart in Europa.
The map shows the distribution of this plant species in Europe.
edition / condition
'die Auflage' and 'die Verbreitung' can both be important for books, newspapers, or magazines. 'Auflage' means the number of printed copies. 'Verbreitung' means how widely, or where, a printed publication is actually in circulation and reaches people. The words can be confused because a high print run often leads to wide distribution. Still, the difference is important: printed does not automatically mean read or distributed everywhere.
Durch die Buchhandlungen in vielen Städten stieg die Verbreitung der Zeitschrift.
The magazine's distribution increased through bookstores in many cities.
Die neue Auflage des Romans umfasst 20.000 Exemplare.
The new print run of the novel consists of 20,000 copies.