der  Ausbau

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈʔaʊsˌbaʊ/

🏗️ What does "der Ausbau" mean?

Der Ausbau is a masculine noun with several meanings:

• Expansion or Extension: This is the most common meaning. It refers to making something existing larger, e.g., a building (Gebäude), a road (Straße), a network (Netzwerk), or even abstract things like business relationships (Geschäftsbeziehungen) or skills (Fähigkeiten).
  • Example: Der Ausbau des Dachgeschosses schafft mehr Wohnraum. (The extension of the attic creates more living space.)
  • Example: Der schnelle Ausbau des Glasfasernetzes ist wichtig. (The rapid expansion of the fiber optic network is important.)
• Development or Improvement: Closely related to the first meaning, it often describes the further development or qualitative improvement of a structure or system.
  • Example: Der Ausbau der erneuerbaren Energien wird vorangetrieben. (The development/expansion of renewable energies is being pushed forward.)
• Removal or Dismantling (less common as a noun): Sometimes "der Ausbau" can also describe the act of taking out or removing parts from a larger whole. This is directly derived from the verb "ausbauen" (to remove something).
  • Example: Der Ausbau des Motors dauerte mehrere Stunden. (The removal of the engine took several hours.) (Often, the verbal noun "das Ausbauen" - the act of removing - might be used here too).

⚠️ Pay attention to the context to determine the correct meaning. Most often, it refers to expansion or development.

🧐 Grammar in Detail: Der Ausbau

The noun "Ausbau" is masculine. It follows the strong declension pattern.

📝 Example Sentences

• Der Ausbau der Infrastruktur ist teuer. (The expansion of the infrastructure is expensive.) - Nominative Singular
• Die Kosten des Ausbaus sind höher als erwartet. (The costs of the expansion are higher than expected.) - Genitive Singular
• Wir stimmen dem Ausbau des Radwegenetzes zu. (We agree to the expansion of the cycle path network.) - Dative Singular
• Die Regierung plant den weiteren Ausbau. (The government is planning further expansion.) - Accusative Singular
• Die verschiedenen Ausbauten am Haus wurden über Jahre hinweg vorgenommen. (The various extensions to the house were carried out over the years.) - Nominative Plural (less common)

💡 How to Use "Ausbau"?

"Der Ausbau" is a versatile word used in various contexts:

• Construction & Architecture: Refers to the extension of buildings (Dachgeschossausbau - attic conversion, Kellerausbau - basement conversion), additions, or expanding existing structures.
• Infrastructure & Transport: The expansion of roads (Straßen), rail networks (Schienennetze), airports (Flughäfen), or digital networks (internet, mobile communications).
• Economy & Business: Expansion of production capacities (Produktionskapazitäten), distribution networks (Vertriebsnetze), business segments (Geschäftsfelder), or market shares (Marktanteile).
• Technology & IT: Expansion of systems, networks, software features, or storage capacities (Speicherkapazitäten).
• Politics & Administration: Expansion of social benefits (soziale Leistungen), educational institutions (Bildungseinrichtungen), or administrative structures.
• Technology (Removal): The removal of components from machines or vehicles (e.g., der Ausbau der Festplatte - the removal of the hard drive).

Distinction from similar words:

• Ausbau vs. Neubau (new construction): A Neubau is building something completely new, while Ausbau is expanding or improving something existing.
• Ausbau vs. Umbau (conversion, renovation): An Umbau often fundamentally changes the structure or function of the existing thing, whereas Ausbau primarily adds or enlarges.
• Ausbau vs. Abbau/Rückbau (reduction/dismantling): These are direct opposites, meaning reduction or removal.

🧠 Mnemonics for "Ausbau"

Article Mnemonic (der)

Imagine a strong construction worker – definitely a 'he' (der) – working hard to build something out (aus-bauen). Der worker = der Ausbau. Masculine effort for expansion! 💪

Meaning Mnemonic (Expansion/Removal)

Think of 'aus' like 'out' in English. You can build 'out'wards (expand) or take something 'out' (remove). The 'Bau' (building/construction) part tells you it's related to construction – either building more or un-building (removing) parts.

↔️ Synonyms & Antonyms for Ausbau

⚠️ Similar Words

• Anbau (der): An addition attached to a building. More specific than Ausbau.
• Umbau (der): Renovation or conversion, changing the internal structure, not necessarily enlarging.
• Aufbau (der): Structure, setup; also the process of building from scratch.

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Architekt den Bauherrn: "Sind Sie mit dem bisherigen Ausbau zufrieden?"
Sagt der Bauherr: "Naja, es geht so. Die Rechnungen haben sich auf jeden Fall schon gut ausgebaut!"

Translation:
The architect asks the client: "Are you satisfied with the expansion so far?"
The client says: "Well, so-so. The bills have certainly expanded quite well!"

📜 Poem about Ausbau

Stein auf Stein, Wand für Wand,
Der Ausbau nimmt Gestalt im Land.
Mehr Platz, mehr Licht, ein neues Ziel,
Entwicklung zeigt sich, Stück für Stück, ganz viel.
Ob Netz, ob Haus, ob Wissen gar,
Der Ausbau macht die Zukunft klar.

Translation:
Stone by stone, wall by wall,
The expansion takes shape in the land.
More space, more light, a new goal,
Development shows itself, piece by piece, so much.
Whether network, or house, or even knowledge,
The expansion makes the future clear.

❓ Riddle

Ich mach das Haus oft größer, weit,
Erweitere Netz und Fähigkeit.
Manchmal nehm' ich Teile raus,
Bring' Neues rein ins alte Haus.

Was bin ich, meistens maskulin,
Bringt Fortschritt oder schafft Beginn?

Hint: I often make the house larger, wide, / Expand networks and ability. / Sometimes I take parts out, / Bring new things into the old house. / What am I, usually masculine, / Brings progress or creates a beginning?

Lösung / Answer: Der Ausbau

🧩 Further Information

Word Formation

The word "Ausbau" is a noun derived from the verb "ausbauen" (to expand, extend, remove). It consists of:

• Prefix "aus-": Can have various meanings, here often 'out', 'completely', or 'expanding'.
• Stem "Bau": From the verb "bauen" (to build) or the noun "der Bau" (building, construction).

It's a nominalization of the verb through implicit derivation (without a suffix).

Cultural Notes

In Germany, the term "Ausbau" often carries positive connotations, associated with progress, growth, and modernization, especially in the context of infrastructure (e.g., "Ausbau der digitalen Infrastruktur" - expansion of digital infrastructure) and renewable energy (erneuerbare Energien).