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ausbreiten

B1 verb 11분 분량

ausbreiten

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁 ausbreiten 30초 만에

설명 ausbreiten in your Level:

At the A1 level, you can think of 'ausbreiten' as a physical action involving common items. Imagine you are at home or in a park. You have a blanket that is folded up. When you open it so it covers the grass, you 'ausbreiten' the blanket. It is a 'separable verb', which means the 'aus' part goes to the end of the sentence. For example: 'Ich breite die Decke aus.' You can also use it for opening a map on a table. The most important thing to remember at this stage is that it means taking something that is small or folded and making it flat and wide. It is often used with objects you can hold in your hands. You might also hear it when a bird opens its wings. Even though it is a long word, focus on the physical movement of making something 'breit' (wide). Don't worry about the abstract meanings yet; just use it for blankets, maps, and clothes. Remember the word order: the conjugated part of the verb comes second, and 'aus' goes to the very last position in the sentence. This is a great word to practice your understanding of separable verbs in simple, everyday contexts.

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At the A2 level, you start to use 'ausbreiten' for slightly more complex but still physical situations. You might describe how someone spreads their arms to give a hug: 'Er breitet seine Arme aus.' You also begin to see the reflexive form 'sich ausbreiten'. This is used when something spreads by itself. For example, a nice smell in the kitchen: 'Der Duft breitet sich aus.' Or a stain on a shirt: 'Der Fleck breitet sich aus.' You should practice using it in the past tense (Perfekt) as well. The past participle is 'ausgebreitet', used with 'haben'. For example: 'Wir haben die Karte auf dem Tisch ausgebreitet.' At this level, you are moving from just doing the action yourself to describing how things in the world expand or cover space. You might also use it when talking about simple nature topics, like how a tree's branches spread out. Focus on the relationship between the subject and the space it occupies. It's a very visual verb, so try to picture the area being covered as you say it. Pay attention to the reflexive pronoun 'sich'—it's essential when the object itself is the thing doing the spreading.

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At the B1 level, 'ausbreiten' becomes a key word for discussing news, social trends, and health. You will frequently use 'sich ausbreiten' to talk about how information or rumors travel through a group of people: 'Das Gerücht breitete sich schnell aus.' This is also the standard verb for discussing the spread of diseases or viruses in the news, which is a common topic in B1 exams and conversations. You'll also learn the figurative meaning of 'spreading out' your life or your plans before someone. If you 'breitest deine Pläne vor jemandem aus', you are explaining them in detail. This level requires you to distinguish between 'ausbreiten' (spatial expansion) and 'verbreiten' (distribution of information). While they can sometimes be swapped when talking about news, 'ausbreiten' emphasizes the area covered, while 'verbreiten' emphasizes the act of sharing. You should be comfortable using 'ausbreiten' in various tenses and with modal verbs. For instance, 'Die Seuche konnte sich ungehindert ausbreiten' (The plague was able to spread unhindered). You also start to use it in business contexts, like a company expanding its influence or market share. It's a versatile verb that bridges the gap between physical actions and abstract concepts.

At the B2 level, you are expected to use 'ausbreiten' with precision and in more formal contexts. You will use it to describe complex geographical or social phenomena, such as urban sprawl ('Die Stadt breitet sich in das Umland aus') or the expansion of desert areas due to climate change. You should also understand the nuance of 'sich ausbreiten' when it refers to someone taking up too much space, either physically (like on a bus) or metaphorically (dominating a conversation). In professional writing, you might use 'ausbreiten' to describe the detailed presentation of data or arguments: 'In seinem Bericht breitet der Autor die verschiedenen Aspekte der Krise aus.' You'll also encounter it in literature to describe light or shadows moving across a landscape. At this stage, you should be able to use the verb in the passive voice and in 'zu' + infinitive constructions smoothly. For example: 'Es ist wichtig, die Unterlagen übersichtlich auszubreiten.' You should also be able to distinguish it from more technical synonyms like 'expandieren' (in business) or 'diffundieren' (in science). Your usage should reflect an understanding of how 'ausbreiten' implies a gradual, often unstoppable process of covering more ground or becoming fully visible.

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At the C1 level, your use of 'ausbreiten' should be nuanced and sophisticated. You will encounter it in academic and literary texts where it describes the unfolding of complex philosophical ideas or historical movements. For instance, you might analyze how a certain ideology 'breitete sich über den Kontinent aus'. You should be able to use the noun form 'Ausbreitung' (expansion/spread) just as easily as the verb. You'll also notice 'ausbreiten' used in psychological contexts, describing how a feeling of peace or anxiety might spread through a person's mind. The verb can also be used to describe the exhaustive treatment of a topic: 'Ich möchte hier nicht alle Details meiner Forschung ausbreiten' (I don't want to lay out all the details of my research here). This implies a deliberate choice to limit the scope of a presentation. You will also see it in high-level journalism discussing 'Machtausbreitung' (the expansion of power). At C1, you should appreciate the stylistic difference between 'ausbreiten' and its synonyms, using it to evoke a sense of spatiality and gradual revelation. You are also expected to handle complex sentence structures, such as using the verb in participial attributes: 'Die sich schnell ausbreitende Krankheit stellte die Behörden vor große Probleme.'

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At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of 'ausbreiten' and all its subtle connotations. You can use it in highly abstract ways, such as describing the 'Ausbreitung' of light waves in physics or the 'Ausbreitung' of linguistic features across different dialects. In creative writing, you might use it to create vivid imagery, such as 'die Stille, die sich wie ein Leichentuch über das Dorf ausbreitete' (the silence that spread like a shroud over the village). You understand the historical development of the word and its place within the German lexicon. You can use it to critique a speaker who 'sich zu sehr ausbreitet' (goes on too long or covers too much irrelevant ground), showing a keen sense of social and communicative norms. Your usage is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker, incorporating the verb into complex rhetorical structures and using it to convey precise shades of meaning regarding expansion, revelation, and spatial presence. You are also aware of rare or archaic uses and can interpret them in classical literature. At this level, the word is not just a tool for communication but a flexible element of your stylistic repertoire, allowing you to describe everything from the cosmic expansion of the universe to the most delicate unfolding of a flower petal with equal ease and accuracy.

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연습하기 예시 노트와 팁

ausbreiten 30초 만에

Ausbreiten is a separable verb meaning to spread out or extend. It is used for physical objects like blankets and maps.
The reflexive form 'sich ausbreiten' is very common for describing how news, smells, or diseases spread on their own.
Figuratively, it can mean laying out a detailed story or plan before someone, emphasizing a comprehensive and clear explanation.
It is a B1 level word essential for discussing environmental changes, health trends, and spatial organization in daily life.

The German verb ausbreiten is a versatile and essential term that primarily describes the action of spreading something out or extending it across a surface. At its core, it combines the prefix 'aus-' (out) with the verb 'breiten' (to make wide), effectively meaning 'to widen out'. This verb can be used in both literal, physical contexts and more abstract, figurative ones.

Physical Application: In a physical sense, you use 'ausbreiten' when you take an object that is folded or compressed and open it up to cover an area. For instance, if you are going for a picnic, you would 'ausbreiten' your blanket on the grass. Similarly, a bird might 'ausbreiten' its wings before taking flight, or a traveler might 'ausbreiten' a map on a table to plan their route. The focus here is on the transition from a compact state to an expanded one, where the object occupies more horizontal space.

Wir sollten die Picknickdecke im Schatten der großen Eiche ausbreiten.

Reflexive Usage (sich ausbreiten): When used reflexively as 'sich ausbreiten', the meaning shifts toward something spreading on its own accord. This is extremely common when discussing phenomena like diseases, news, scents, or even populations. If a virus 'breitet sich aus', it is moving through a population. If a rumor 'breitet sich aus', it is becoming known to more and more people. This reflexive form implies a sense of momentum and growth that is often beyond immediate control.

Die Nachricht von seinem Rücktritt breitete sich wie ein Lauffeuer in der ganzen Stadt aus.

Abstract and Figurative Use: Beyond the physical and the viral, 'ausbreiten' can describe the expansion of influence, ideas, or business activities. A company might 'ausbreiten' its presence into new international markets. In a more intimate setting, one might 'ausbreiten' their thoughts or a detailed story in front of a friend, meaning they are explaining it in great detail and leaving nothing out. This figurative usage emphasizes the breadth and depth of the information being shared.

Der Redner begann, seine radikalen neuen Theorien vor dem Publikum auszubreiten.

In summary, 'ausbreiten' is your go-to word whenever something is becoming wider, covering more ground, or being revealed in its full extent. Whether you are dealing with a physical cloth, a biological contagion, or a complex narrative, this verb captures the essence of expansion and revelation. It is a vital part of the B1 vocabulary because it allows speakers to describe growth and distribution across various domains of life.

Ein angenehmer Duft von frisch gebackenem Brot breitete sich in der Küche aus.

Die Dunkelheit breitete sich langsam über das Tal aus.

Mastering 'ausbreiten' requires an understanding of its grammatical structure, particularly its status as a separable verb and its common usage in the reflexive form. In German, separable verbs (trennbare Verben) split when conjugated in the present and simple past tenses, with the prefix moving to the end of the clause.

Present Tense Structure: In the present tense, the stem 'breit-' is conjugated according to the subject, while 'aus' moves to the end. For example: 'Ich breite die Karte aus' (I am spreading the map out). If it is reflexive: 'Die Krankheit breitet sich aus' (The disease is spreading).

Er breitet seine Arme für eine Umarmung aus.

Perfect Tense (Perfekt): In the perfect tense, we use the auxiliary verb 'haben' and the past participle 'ausgebreitet'. Note that the '-ge-' is sandwiched between the prefix and the stem. Example: 'Wir haben die Decke ausgebreitet' (We have spread out the blanket).

Der Nebel hat sich bereits über die ganze Stadt ausgebreitet.

Reflexive Pronouns: When 'ausbreiten' is reflexive, you must include the correct reflexive pronoun (mich, dich, sich, uns, euch, sich). This is used when the subject is the thing that is expanding or spreading. 'Das Feuer breitet sich schnell aus' (The fire is spreading quickly).

Warum breitest du dich so auf dem Sofa aus?

One interesting nuance is the use of 'ausbreiten' with details or information. In this context, it often takes an object. 'Er breitete seine Pläne vor uns aus' means he laid out his plans before us. This construction suggests a visual or metaphorical unfolding of information for others to inspect. It is more formal than simply 'erzählen' (to tell) and implies a structured or comprehensive presentation.

Der Architekt breitete die Blaupausen auf dem großen Tisch aus.

Sobald die Sonne scheint, breiten die Blumen ihre Blüten aus.

'Ausbreiten' is a word you will encounter frequently in German-speaking environments, ranging from casual daily interactions to formal news broadcasts. Understanding the context helps in choosing the right nuance of the word. It is not just a vocabulary item; it's a window into how Germans describe spatial and conceptual growth.

News and Media: In the news, 'sich ausbreiten' is the standard term for the spread of diseases (Epidemien), wildfires (Waldbrände), or political movements. News anchors often use it to describe the geographical progression of an event. For example, 'Das Feuer breitet sich wegen der starken Winde weiter aus' (The fire continues to spread due to strong winds). It conveys a sense of urgency and scale.

Experten warnen davor, dass sich das Virus in den Wintermonaten schneller ausbreiten könnte.

Daily Life and Household: In a domestic setting, 'ausbreiten' is used for chores and activities. You 'ausbreiten' the laundry to dry, or children might 'ausbreiten' their toys all over the living room floor (often to the frustration of parents). It describes the physical act of taking up space. You might hear: 'Hör auf, deine Sachen überall im Haus auszubreiten!' (Stop spreading your things all over the house!).

Könntest du bitte die Wäsche auf dem Ständer ausbreiten?

Business and Economy: In the business world, 'ausbreiten' refers to expansion. A startup might 'sich auf dem Markt ausbreiten' (expand in the market). It can also refer to the detailed presentation of a business plan or financial report. 'Der CEO breitete die neue Strategie vor dem Vorstand aus' (The CEO laid out the new strategy before the board).

Das Unternehmen plant, sich nächstes Jahr auch in Asien auszubreiten.

Finally, in nature and science documentaries, you'll hear it used for animal behavior or plant growth. A peacock 'breitet seine Federn aus' (spreads its feathers), or a certain plant species 'breitet sich in feuchten Gebieten aus' (spreads in damp areas). It is a precise word that describes the movement and occupation of space in the natural world.

Der Pfau breitet sein prächtiges Rad aus, um das Weibchen zu beeindrucken.

Even for intermediate learners, 'ausbreiten' can be tricky because German has several verbs related to spreading, each with specific nuances. Choosing the wrong one is a common error that can lead to confusion or unnatural-sounding speech. Understanding these distinctions is key to achieving fluency.

Mistake 1: ausbreiten vs. verbreiten: This is the most frequent confusion. 'Ausbreiten' usually emphasizes the spatial expansion or the physical act of unfolding. 'Verbreiten' is more often used for information, rumors, or smells where the physical 'unfolding' isn't the focus, but rather the distribution to many people. While 'Die Nachricht breitet sich aus' is correct (focusing on the area covered), 'Die Nachricht wird verbreitet' (The news is being spread/distributed) focuses on the act of dissemination. Use 'ausbreiten' for things that occupy space, and 'verbreiten' for things that are shared.

Falsch: Ich verbreite die Decke auf dem Boden. (Incorrect context)
Richtig: Ich breite die Decke auf dem Boden aus.

Mistake 2: ausbreiten vs. verteilen: 'Verteilen' means 'to distribute' or 'to spread' in the sense of butter on bread or flyers to a crowd. It implies giving parts of something to different places or people. 'Ausbreiten' implies one single thing becoming larger or covering more area. You 'verteilst' butter on bread, but you 'breitest' a cloth over a table. If you say 'Ich breite die Butter aus', it sounds like you are unfolding a sheet of butter.

Falsch: Er breitete die Prospekte in der Menge aus.
Richtig: Er verteilte die Prospekte in der Menge.

Mistake 3: Forgetting the Reflexive Pronoun: When a disease or news is spreading on its own, you MUST use 'sich'. Saying 'Die Krankheit breitet aus' is incomplete. It must be 'Die Krankheit breitet sich aus'. Without 'sich', the listener is waiting for you to say WHAT the disease is spreading (e.g., 'Die Krankheit breitet Angst aus' - The disease spreads fear).

Richtig: Der Geruch breitet sich im ganzen Haus aus.

Another subtle error occurs in the figurative use. If you want to say someone is 'venting' or 'talking at length', 'sich ausbreiten' works, but 'auspacken' (to unpack/reveal) or 'sich auslassen' (to hold forth) might be more specific. 'Sich ausbreiten' in a social context often carries a slight negative connotation of taking up too much 'conversational space' or physical space (like someone taking up three seats on a train).

Er breitete sich mit seinen Koffern auf allen vier Sitzen aus.

To truly master 'ausbreiten', it is helpful to compare it with its synonyms and related verbs. This allows you to choose the most precise word for the situation, which is a hallmark of the B1 and B2 levels. Each of these alternatives has a slightly different focus regarding space, speed, and intent.

verbreiten vs. ausbreiten: As mentioned, 'verbreiten' is the champion of information and abstract concepts. While 'ausbreiten' can be used for news to emphasize the area it covers, 'verbreiten' is the standard for 'to disseminate'. You 'verbreitest' a message or a rumor. If you use 'ausbreiten' for a rumor, it sounds like the rumor is physically growing across a map. Use 'verbreiten' for 'spreading the word'.

ausdehnen vs. ausbreiten: 'Ausdehnen' means 'to expand' or 'to stretch'. It is often used for physical materials that stretch (like rubber) or for periods of time. While 'ausbreiten' is about covering surface area, 'ausdehnen' is more about the internal stretching or the enlargement of boundaries. A company 'dehnt seine Geschäftszeiten aus' (expands its business hours), but 'breitet sich auf dem Markt aus' (spreads its presence in the market).

Das Metall dehnt sich bei Hitze aus.

entfalten vs. ausbreiten: 'Entfalten' literally means 'to unfold' (ent- + falten). It is used for things that were folded, like a letter or a map. However, its most common use is figurative: 'to develop' or 'to unfold one's potential'. While you can 'ausbreiten' a map, 'entfalten' sounds more technical or elegant. Figuratively, a person 'entfaltet ihre Talente' (unfolds/develops her talents). 'Ausbreiten' doesn't work for talents.

In der neuen Stelle konnte er seine Fähigkeiten voll entfalten.

propagieren: This is a more academic or political term meaning 'to propagate' or 'to promote'. If someone is spreading an ideology, they might 'ausbreiten' it (showing its growth), but they are 'propagieren' it (actively promoting it). Use this for intentional spreading of beliefs.

Choosing the right word depends on whether you want to emphasize the physical act (ausbreiten), the distribution of information (verbreiten), the internal expansion (ausdehnen), the development of potential (entfalten), or the static reach (erstrecken). By using 'ausbreiten', you are specifically highlighting the widening and covering of a surface or area.

Die Wüste breitet sich aufgrund der Trockenheit immer weiter aus.

How Formal Is It?

재미있는 사실

The root word 'breit' is cognate with the English word 'broad'. So 'ausbreiten' literally means 'to out-broad'.

발음 가이드

UK ˈaʊ̯sˌbʁaɪ̯tn̩

US ˈaʊ̯sˌbʁaɪ̯tn̩

Primary stress on 'aus', secondary stress on 'breit'.

라임이 맞는 단어

begleiten bereiten bestreiten gleiten leiten reiten schreiten weiten

자주 하는 실수

Stressing the second syllable 'breit' instead of 'aus'.
Pronouncing 'aus' like the English word 'ice'.
Forgetting to pronounce the 't' clearly before the 'n'.
Using an English 'r' instead of the German uvular 'r'.
Merging the prefix with the verb in speech so it sounds like one unstressed unit.

난이도

독해 3/5

Easy to recognize if you know 'breit', but prefix logic is key.

쓰기 4/5

Requires knowledge of separable verb syntax and reflexive pronouns.

말하기 4/5

Tricky word order in main clauses and subordinating clauses.

듣기 3/5

The prefix 'aus' is usually stressed and easy to hear.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

breit aus machen legen sich

다음에 배울 것

verbreiten ausdehnen entfalten erstrecken verteilen

고급

propagieren diffundieren proliferieren expandieren manifestieren

알아야 할 문법

Separable Verbs

Ich breite die Decke aus. (Prefix goes to the end)

Reflexive Pronouns (Accusative)

Die Krankheit breitet sich aus. (Sich is mandatory)

Perfekt with 'haben'

Wir haben die Karte ausgebreitet.

Word Order with Modals

Du sollst die Wäsche ausbreiten. (Verb stays whole at the end)

Subordinate Clause Order

... weil sich der Duft ausbreitet. (Verb and prefix stay together at the end)

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수준별 예문

Ich breite die Decke auf dem Gras aus.

I am spreading the blanket on the grass.

Present tense, separable verb.

Kannst du die Karte bitte ausbreiten?

Can you please spread out the map?

Infinitive with modal verb 'können'.

Der Vogel breitet seine Flügel aus.

The bird spreads its wings.

Subject-verb agreement (3rd person singular).

Wir breiten das Tischtuch aus.

We are spreading the tablecloth.

Simple present tense.

Breite deine Sachen nicht hier aus!

Don't spread your things out here!

Imperative form.

Er breitet seine Arme aus.

He spreads his arms.

Separable verb in main clause.

Ich muss das Plakat ausbreiten.

I must spread out the poster.

Modal verb 'müssen'.

Sie breitet die Wäsche aus.

She is spreading the laundry.

Present tense.

Ein guter Duft breitet sich in der Küche aus.

A good smell is spreading in the kitchen.

Reflexive verb 'sich ausbreiten'.

Das Wasser breitet sich auf dem Boden aus.

The water is spreading on the floor.

Reflexive usage.

Hast du die Handtücher zum Trocknen ausgebreitet?

Did you spread the towels out to dry?

Perfekt tense with 'ausgebreitet'.

Die Blumen breiten ihre Blätter aus.

The flowers are spreading their leaves.

Plural subject.

Der Nebel breitet sich über das Feld aus.

The fog is spreading over the field.

Reflexive verb with preposition 'über'.

Warum breitest du dich so auf dem Bett aus?

Why are you spreading yourself out so much on the bed?

Reflexive usage for physical space.

Das Kind breitet alle Spielzeuge im Zimmer aus.

The child spreads all the toys in the room.

Accusative object 'alle Spielzeuge'.

Wir haben die Pläne auf dem Boden ausgebreitet.

We spread the plans out on the floor.

Perfekt tense.

Die Nachricht vom Sieg breitete sich schnell aus.

The news of the victory spread quickly.

Präteritum (simple past) reflexive.

Das Virus breitet sich in der ganzen Region aus.

The virus is spreading in the whole region.

Reflexive usage for diseases.

Er breitete seine gesamte Lebensgeschichte vor mir aus.

He laid out his entire life story before me.

Figurative use for detailed telling.

Die Firma möchte sich auf dem europäischen Markt ausbreiten.

The company wants to expand in the European market.

Infinitive with 'möchte'.

Ein Gefühl der Panik breitete sich unter den Passagieren aus.

A feeling of panic spread among the passengers.

Reflexive use for emotions.

Wir müssen die Unterlagen ordentlich auf dem Tisch ausbreiten.

We must spread the documents neatly on the table.

Modal verb with adverb 'ordentlich'.

Das Gerücht hat sich wie ein Lauffeuer ausgebreitet.

The rumor spread like wildfire.

Idiomatic expression with Perfekt.

In der Hitze breitet sich der Teer auf der Straße aus.

In the heat, the tar is spreading on the road.

Reflexive usage.

Die Wüste breitet sich wegen der Dürre immer weiter aus.

The desert is spreading further and further due to the drought.

Reflexive use for environmental processes.

Der Autor breitet seine Argumente in fünf Kapiteln aus.

The author lays out his arguments in five chapters.

Figurative use in academic/formal context.

Das Internet hat es ermöglicht, dass sich Informationen weltweit ausbreiten.

The internet has made it possible for information to spread worldwide.

Subordinate clause with 'dass'.

Die Stadt breitet sich unkontrolliert in das Umland aus.

The city is expanding uncontrollably into the surrounding area.

Reflexive use for urban development.

Er neigt dazu, sich in Gesprächen zu sehr auszubreiten.

He tends to go on too much in conversations.

Reflexive 'zu' + infinitive.

Die Schatten breiteten sich am Abend über das Tal aus.

The shadows spread over the valley in the evening.

Literary/descriptive use.

Die Ideologie breitete sich im 19. Jahrhundert rasant aus.

The ideology spread rapidly in the 19th century.

Reflexive use for historical trends.

Das Öl hat sich über eine große Fläche des Meeres ausgebreitet.

The oil has spread over a large area of the sea.

Perfekt tense reflexive.

Die kulturelle Strömung breitete sich über die Landesgrenzen hinweg aus.

The cultural movement spread across national borders.

Reflexive with 'über ... hinweg'.

Es ist faszinierend zu beobachten, wie sich das Licht am Morgen ausbreitet.

It is fascinating to observe how the light spreads in the morning.

Indirect question with 'wie'.

Der Redner breitete die komplexen Zusammenhänge anschaulich vor uns aus.

The speaker laid out the complex connections vividly before us.

Figurative use with abstract object.

Die Angst vor der Inflation breitet sich in der Bevölkerung aus.

Fear of inflation is spreading among the population.

Reflexive use for collective emotions.

Pflanzenarten, die sich invasiv ausbreiten, schaden dem Ökosystem.

Plant species that spread invasively damage the ecosystem.

Relative clause.

In seiner Dissertation breitet er die gesamte Forschungsliteratur aus.

In his dissertation, he lays out the entire research literature.

Academic context.

Die Stille breitete sich wie ein schwerer Mantel über den Raum aus.

The silence spread like a heavy coat over the room.

Metaphorical use.

Wir dürfen nicht zulassen, dass sich diese radikalen Ideen weiter ausbreiten.

We must not allow these radical ideas to spread further.

Subordinate clause with modal 'dürfen'.

Die ontologische Fragestellung breitet sich über das gesamte Werk des Philosophen aus.

The ontological question extends across the philosopher's entire body of work.

Highly abstract/academic usage.

Man muss die Faktenlage erst einmal wertneutral vor den Entscheidern ausbreiten.

One must first lay out the facts in a value-neutral way before the decision-makers.

Professional/diplomatic register.

Die kognitive Dissonanz breitete sich schleichend in seinem Bewusstsein aus.

The cognitive dissonance spread insidiously in his consciousness.

Psychological/abstract usage.

Die feine Textur des Stoffes lässt sich nur erkennen, wenn man ihn flach ausbreitet.

The fine texture of the fabric can only be recognized if you spread it out flat.

Conditional 'wenn' clause.

Eine Aura der Melancholie breitete sich während des Konzerts im Saal aus.

An aura of melancholy spread through the hall during the concert.

Abstract atmosphere description.

Die elektromagnetischen Wellen breiten sich im Vakuum mit Lichtgeschwindigkeit aus.

Electromagnetic waves spread in a vacuum at the speed of light.

Scientific/technical usage.

Er hat die Gabe, seine Gedanken ohne Umschweife vor seinem Publikum auszubreiten.

He has the gift of laying out his thoughts before his audience without beating around the bush.

Noun-verb combination 'die Gabe haben'.

Die Korrosion breitete sich unter der Lackschicht unbemerkt aus.

The corrosion spread unnoticed under the layer of paint.

Technical/material science context.

동의어

verbreiten ausdehnen entfalten erstrecken expandieren ausrollen verteilen propagieren

반의어

zusammenfalten einschränken verkleinern unterdrücken

자주 쓰는 조합

die Arme ausbreiten

eine Decke ausbreiten

sich wie ein Lauffeuer ausbreiten

die Flügel ausbreiten

Panik ausbreiten

die Karte ausbreiten

sich rasant ausbreiten

Details ausbreiten

Wohlgeruch ausbreiten

über das ganze Land ausbreiten

자주 쓰는 구문

sich gemütlich ausbreiten

— To make oneself comfortable by taking up a lot of space. Often used when someone relaxes on a sofa.

Er breitete sich gemütlich auf der Couch aus.

die Waren ausbreiten

— To display goods for sale. Common in markets.

Die Händler breiteten ihre Waren auf dem Boden aus.

ein Tischtuch ausbreiten

— To lay a tablecloth. A standard household action.

Bevor wir essen, breiten wir das Tischtuch aus.

seine Macht ausbreiten

— To expand one's power or influence. Used in historical or political contexts.

Das Imperium versuchte, seine Macht weiter auszubreiten.

die Finger ausbreiten

— To splay one's fingers. A specific physical movement.

Breite deine Finger aus, damit ich sie sehen kann.

das Schweigen breitete sich aus

— A silence fell over the room. Used to describe an atmosphere.

Ein peinliches Schweigen breitete sich im Raum aus.

die Unterlagen ausbreiten

— To spread out documents. Common in office or study settings.

Er breitete alle Unterlagen für die Prüfung aus.

sich ungestört ausbreiten

— To spread without being stopped. Often used for plants or diseases.

Das Unkraut konnte sich ungestört im Garten ausbreiten.

seine Theorien ausbreiten

— To explain one's theories in detail. Used in academic or intellectual discussions.

Der Professor breitete seine Theorien vor den Studenten aus.

die Arme weit ausbreiten

— To spread one's arms wide. Emphasizes the extent of the gesture.

Sie breitete die Arme weit aus, um das Kind zu fangen.

자주 혼동되는 단어

ausbreiten vs verbreiten

Verbreiten is for sharing info/rumors; ausbreiten is for spatial expansion.

ausbreiten vs ausdehnen

Ausdehnen is for stretching or enlarging boundaries; ausbreiten is for covering surfaces.

ausbreiten vs verteilen

Verteilen is for distributing parts of something; ausbreiten is for one thing becoming wide.

관용어 및 표현

"sich wie ein Lauffeuer ausbreiten"

— To spread extremely quickly, usually said of news or rumors.

Die Nachricht von der Hochzeit breitete sich wie ein Lauffeuer aus.

informal/neutral

"seine Flügel ausbreiten"

— To become independent or start a new venture (metaphorical).

Es ist Zeit für sie, ihre Flügel auszubreiten und die Welt zu sehen.

neutral/poetic

"sich breit machen"

— To take up too much space or to become too dominant (related to ausbreiten).

Die Unzufriedenheit macht sich im Team breit.

informal

"etwas vor jemandem ausbreiten"

— To reveal or explain something in great detail.

Er breitete sein ganzes Elend vor mir aus.

neutral

"das Tischtuch zerschneiden"

— To break off relations (not using ausbreiten, but related to the household context).

Sie haben das Tischtuch endgültig zerschnitten.

idiomatic

"sich über alles ausbreiten"

— To cover or dominate every aspect of something.

Der Nebel breitete sich über alles aus.

neutral

"die Karten auf den Tisch legen"

— To reveal one's plans (similar to ausbreiten in intent).

Jetzt müssen wir endlich die Karten auf den Tisch legen.

informal

"weit ausgreifen"

— To expand significantly (related synonym).

Die Planungen greifen weit aus.

formal

"Platz greifen"

— To gain ground or spread (formal synonym).

Die neue Mode beginnt Platz zu greifen.

formal

"die Netze auswerfen"

— To spread nets (literal) or to start looking for something (figurative).

Die Fischer breiteten ihre Netze aus.

neutral

혼동하기 쉬운

ausbreiten vs verbreiten

Both mean 'to spread'.

Ausbreiten emphasizes the area covered (like a blanket). Verbreiten emphasizes the dissemination to people (like a rumor).

Er verbreitet Lügen. (He spreads lies.) vs. Er breitet die Decke aus. (He spreads the blanket.)

ausbreiten vs ausdehnen

Both imply growth.

Ausdehnen is more about stretching (like rubber) or expanding in all directions/time. Ausbreiten is usually horizontal/surface-based.

Die Hitze dehnt das Metall aus. vs. Der Nebel breitet sich aus.

ausbreiten vs entfalten

Both involve opening something up.

Entfalten is specifically for things that were folded (like a letter) or for developing potential. Ausbreiten is more about the resulting area.

Sie entfaltet den Brief. vs. Wir breiten die Karte aus.

ausbreiten vs verteilen

Both can translate to 'spread' in English (e.g., spread butter).

Verteilen means to distribute pieces or layers. Ausbreiten means to unfold one single object.

Ich verteile die Butter auf dem Brot. vs. Ich breite das Laken auf dem Bett aus.

ausbreiten vs erstrecken

Both describe things covering an area.

Erstrecken is static (it already covers the area). Ausbreiten is dynamic (it is in the process of covering it).

Der Wald erstreckt sich bis zum Meer. vs. Das Feuer breitet sich bis zum Meer aus.

문장 패턴

Ich + breite + [Object] + aus.

Ich breite die Decke aus.

[Subject] + breitet sich + in/über + [Location] + aus.

Der Duft breitet sich im Haus aus.

[News/Disease] + hat sich + rasant + ausgebreitet.

Die Grippe hat sich rasant ausgebreitet.

[Person] + breitet + [Details] + vor + [Person] + aus.

Er breitet seine Sorgen vor mir aus.

[Organization] + möchte sich + [Market] + ausbreiten.

Die Firma möchte sich in Asien ausbreiten.

Wie sich [Phenomenon] ausbreitet, ist [Adjective].

Wie sich das Licht ausbreitet, ist wunderbar.

Die [Noun] breitet sich über das [Work/Life] aus.

Die Melancholie breitet sich über sein ganzes Werk aus.

All

Breite + [Object] + bitte + aus!

Breite die Karte bitte aus!

어휘 가족

명사

die Ausbreitung (spread/expansion)

die Breite (width)

die Ausbreitungsgeschwindigkeit (speed of propagation)

동사

breiten (to widen)

verbreiten (to disseminate)

ausdehnen (to expand)

entfalten (to unfold)

형용사

breit (wide)

ausgebreitet (spread out)

weitverbreitet (widespread)

사용법

frequency

High, especially in news and descriptive writing.

자주 하는 실수

Ich ausbreite die Karte. → Ich breite die Karte aus.
Separable verbs must split in the present tense.
Das Virus breitet rasant aus. → Das Virus breitet sich rasant aus.
When something spreads on its own, the reflexive 'sich' is required.
Ich habe die Decke verbreitet. → Ich habe die Decke ausgebreitet.
'Verbreiten' is for information; 'ausbreiten' is for physical objects.
Er hat seine Flügel ausgebreit. → Er hat seine Flügel ausgebreitet.
The past participle of 'breiten' is 'gebreitet'.
Die Stadt dehnt sich auf dem Land aus. → Die Stadt breitet sich auf dem Land aus.
While 'ausdehnen' is possible, 'ausbreiten' is more natural for spatial coverage.

팁

Separable Verb Position

Always remember that in a standard sentence, the 'aus' goes to the very last position. 'Ich breite heute mit meinen Freunden im Park die große Decke aus.'

News Context

If you see a headline about 'Ausbreitung', it's almost always about a disease, a fire, or a political movement.

Visual Aid

Think of the word 'breit' (wide). If you are making something wide, you are 'aus-breit-ing' it.

Pronunciation Stress

Stress the 'AUS'. If you stress 'breit', it sounds like you are just saying the adjective. The prefix 'aus' is the key.

Figurative Use

Use 'ausbreiten' instead of 'erzählen' when you want to emphasize that the story was very long and detailed.

Reflexive Check

If the subject is the thing spreading (like a smell), you MUST use 'sich'. 'Der Duft breitet sich aus.' (Not: Der Duft breitet aus.)

vs. Verteilen

Use 'verteilen' for many small things (like flyers) and 'ausbreiten' for one big thing (like a map).

Noun usage

Use 'die Ausbreitung' in formal reports. 'Die Ausbreitung des Feuers konnte verhindert werden.'

The Blanket Rule

Associate 'ausbreiten' with a picnic. You can't have a picnic without 'ausbreiten' of the blanket.

Prefix Recognition

In fast speech, 'aus' might sound short, but its presence at the end of the sentence is the signal for the verb's meaning.

암기하기

기억법

Think of 'AUS' (out) and 'BREIT' (bright/wide). When you spread a blanket 'out', you make it 'wide'. 'Aus-breit-en'.

시각적 연상

Visualize a bird spreading its wings 'aus' (out) to become 'breit' (wide) in the sky.

Word Web

Decke Karte Flügel Nachricht Virus Duft Arme Wüste

챌린지

Try to use 'ausbreiten' and 'sich ausbreiten' in three different sentences: one about a physical object, one about news, and one about a smell.

어원

Derived from the Middle High German 'ūzbreiten', which comes from Old High German 'ūzbreiten'. It is a combination of the prefix 'aus-' (out) and the verb 'breiten' (to make wide).

원래 의미: To make something wide by moving it outwards from a center.

Germanic

문화적 맥락

Be careful when using 'sich ausbreiten' about people; it can imply they are taking up too much space or are unwelcome.

English speakers often use 'spread' for everything. In German, remember to use 'ausbreiten' for surfaces and 'verbreiten' for sharing info.

Scientific reports on 'Wüstenausbreitung' (desertification). Poetic descriptions of light in works by Goethe. News headlines regarding 'Epidemie-Ausbreitung'.

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

Picnic or Outdoor Activities

Die Decke ausbreiten
Die Karte ausbreiten
Sachen auf der Wiese ausbreiten
Sonnenschutz ausbreiten

News and Health

Das Virus breitet sich aus
Die Nachricht breitet sich aus
Die Epidemie stoppen
Rasant ausbreitende Krankheit

Nature and Science

Die Flügel ausbreiten
Die Wüste breitet sich aus
Licht breitet sich aus
Pflanzen breiten sich aus

Household and Chores

Wäsche ausbreiten
Tischtuch ausbreiten
Teppich ausbreiten
Sachen im Zimmer ausbreiten

Business and Presentation

Pläne ausbreiten
Den Markt ausbreiten
Argumente ausbreiten
Unterlagen ausbreiten

대화 시작하기

"Wie schnell hat sich die Nachricht in deiner Firma ausgebreitet?"

"Wo würdest du am liebsten eine Picknickdecke ausbreiten?"

"Glaubst du, dass sich Elektroautos bald weltweit ausbreiten werden?"

"Warum breiten manche Menschen ihre privaten Probleme vor Fremden aus?"

"Hast du schon mal gesehen, wie ein Pfau sein Rad ausbreitet?"

일기 주제

Beschreibe eine Situation, in der du deine Pläne vor jemandem ausgebreitet hast. Wie hat die Person reagiert?

Welche Trends breiten sich deiner Meinung nach gerade in deiner Generation aus?

Stell dir vor, du bist ein Entdecker. Welche Karte würdest du auf deinem Tisch ausbreiten?

Wie fühlst du dich, wenn sich jemand in der Bahn zu sehr ausbreitet?

Reflektiere über ein Thema, das sich wie ein Lauffeuer in deinem Leben ausgebreitet hat.

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

No. It is reflexive ('sich ausbreiten') when something spreads on its own, like a disease. It is transitive (takes an object) when you spread something out, like a blanket.

'Sich ausbreiten' suggests the news is covering a wider geographic area. 'Verbreiten' suggests the news is being told to more people. Often they are interchangeable, but 'verbreiten' is more common for information.

No, that sounds wrong. Use 'Ich streiche Butter auf das Brot' or 'Ich verteile die Butter'. 'Ausbreiten' is for things that are unfolded or occupy a large flat area.

It is a weak (regular) verb. The forms are: breitet aus, breitete aus, hat ausgebreitet.

In simple present and simple past main clauses. Example: 'Ich breite die Decke aus.' In subordinate clauses or with modal verbs, it stays attached.

Yes, 'sich ausbreiten' can mean a person is taking up a lot of space, like on a couch or train. It's often a bit negative.

The noun is 'die Ausbreitung', which means 'spread' or 'expansion'.

Yes, 'sich ausbreiten' or 'seine Geschäftsfelder ausbreiten' is used in business contexts for expansion.

Yes, it is very common in physics to describe how light or sound waves 'sich ausbreiten' (propagate).

It is always 'ausgebreitet'. Never forget the 'et' at the end of the past participle for weak verbs.

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