Die Befunde erweitern bisherige Erkenntnisse indem sie aufzeigen
The findings extend previous knowledge by showing
Literally: The findings broaden previous insights by they on-show
In 15 Seconds
- Used to connect new data to existing knowledge.
- Essential for academic writing and professional presentations.
- Shows intellectual growth and respect for previous work.
Meaning
This phrase is used to explain how new information or results build upon what we already knew, adding a fresh layer of understanding to a topic.
Key Examples
3 of 6Presenting a market analysis
Die Befunde erweitern bisherige Erkenntnisse, indem sie aufzeigen, dass Kunden Nachhaltigkeit priorisieren.
The findings extend previous knowledge by showing that customers prioritize sustainability.
Writing a university thesis
Diese Befunde erweitern bisherige Erkenntnisse, indem sie aufzeigen, wie Proteine interagieren.
These findings extend previous knowledge by showing how proteins interact.
Explaining a complex board game strategy to a friend (ironic)
Meine Befunde erweitern bisherige Erkenntnisse, indem sie aufzeigen, dass du immer schummelst!
My findings extend previous knowledge by showing that you always cheat!
Cultural Background
German universities place a massive emphasis on 'Quellenarbeit' (source work). You are expected to show how your work relates to everything written before you. This phrase is the 'magic key' to doing that correctly. In Swiss business culture, precision and modesty are valued. Saying your findings 'expand' knowledge rather than 'revolutionize' it is seen as more professional and credible. In Austrian official documents (Amtsdeutsch), this phrase is used to justify new regulations based on recent data collections. While the phrase is German, it follows the international standard of scientific logic where knowledge is seen as cumulative.
The 'Dass' Trap
Always remember that 'aufzeigen' usually triggers a 'dass'-clause. Make sure you have two verbs at the end of your sentence if you use the full structure!
Don't Overuse
In a 10-page paper, only use this exact phrase once or twice. Use synonyms like 'ergänzen' or 'vertiefen' to keep your writing fresh.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to connect new data to existing knowledge.
- Essential for academic writing and professional presentations.
- Shows intellectual growth and respect for previous work.
What It Means
Think of this phrase as building a Lego tower. You already have a base of knowledge. These new Befunde (findings) are the shiny new bricks you're adding on top. It’s a sophisticated way to say, "We knew some stuff, but now we know even more because of this."
How To Use It
You’ll mostly use this in serious writing or presentations. It follows a specific structure: Die Befunde erweitern bisherige Erkenntnisse (The findings extend previous knowledge) followed by indem sie aufzeigen (by showing/demonstrating). After aufzeigen, you simply describe the new discovery. It’s like a bridge between the old and the new.
When To Use It
Use this when you want to sound like an expert. It’s perfect for university papers or business reports. If you're presenting a project at work, this phrase makes you sound incredibly professional. It shows you've done your homework and respect the work done before you.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this at a loud bar with friends. If you tell a buddy, "My findings extend previous knowledge about this beer," they will think you've spent too much time in the library. It’s too stiff for casual texting or romantic dates. Keep it for the office or the classroom.
Cultural Background
Germans value precision and academic rigor. There is a deep respect for the "Stand der Forschung" (state of research). Using this phrase shows you are part of that intellectual tradition. It’s a polite way to move a conversation forward without dismissing what others said before.
Common Variations
You can swap Befunde for Ergebnisse (results). You can also use vertiefen (deepen) instead of erweitern. For example: Die Ergebnisse vertiefen unser Verständnis. It’s all about showing growth and progress in a structured way.
Usage Notes
This is a high-register academic expression. It requires correct comma placement before 'indem' and proper verb-final word order in the subordinate clause.
The 'Dass' Trap
Always remember that 'aufzeigen' usually triggers a 'dass'-clause. Make sure you have two verbs at the end of your sentence if you use the full structure!
Don't Overuse
In a 10-page paper, only use this exact phrase once or twice. Use synonyms like 'ergänzen' or 'vertiefen' to keep your writing fresh.
Academic Modesty
Using 'erweitern' (expand) is seen as more humble and scientific than 'verbessern' (improve), as it implies the previous work was also good, just incomplete.
Examples
6Die Befunde erweitern bisherige Erkenntnisse, indem sie aufzeigen, dass Kunden Nachhaltigkeit priorisieren.
The findings extend previous knowledge by showing that customers prioritize sustainability.
Perfect for a corporate PowerPoint slide.
Diese Befunde erweitern bisherige Erkenntnisse, indem sie aufzeigen, wie Proteine interagieren.
These findings extend previous knowledge by showing how proteins interact.
Standard academic phrasing for a conclusion.
Meine Befunde erweitern bisherige Erkenntnisse, indem sie aufzeigen, dass du immer schummelst!
My findings extend previous knowledge by showing that you always cheat!
Using formal language for a silly situation creates humor.
Die Befunde erweitern bisherige Erkenntnisse, indem sie aufzeigen, dass wir besser kommunizieren müssen.
The findings extend previous knowledge by showing that we need to communicate better.
A very clinical way to discuss feelings; use with caution!
Die Befunde erweitern bisherige Erkenntnisse, indem sie aufzeigen, dass diese Therapie wirksamer ist.
The findings extend previous knowledge by showing that this therapy is more effective.
Provides authority and reassurance.
Die Befunde erweitern bisherige Erkenntnisse, indem sie aufzeigen, wie gastfreundlich die Region ist.
The findings extend previous knowledge by showing how hospitable the region is.
Treating a personal observation like a formal discovery.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing words to complete the formal sentence.
Die Befunde _______ bisherige Erkenntnisse, _______ sie aufzeigen, dass die Kosten sinken.
'Erweitern' is the verb for expanding knowledge, and 'indem' is the connector for 'by showing'.
Which sentence has the correct word order?
Select the correct academic sentence:
In an 'indem' clause, the verb 'aufzeigen' must go to the end.
Complete the professor's response.
Student: 'Meine Befunde erweitern bisherige Erkenntnisse, indem sie aufzeigen, dass die Methode effizient ist.' Professor: 'Das ist gut. Können Sie uns sagen, welche _______ Erkenntnisse genau gemeint sind?'
The professor is asking about the 'previous' (bisherigen) knowledge mentioned by the student.
Match the phrase to the correct context.
Where would you most likely read: 'Die Befunde erweitern bisherige Erkenntnisse, indem sie aufzeigen...'?
This is a highly formal, academic phrase.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesDie Befunde _______ bisherige Erkenntnisse, _______ sie aufzeigen, dass die Kosten sinken.
'Erweitern' is the verb for expanding knowledge, and 'indem' is the connector for 'by showing'.
Select the correct academic sentence:
In an 'indem' clause, the verb 'aufzeigen' must go to the end.
Student: 'Meine Befunde erweitern bisherige Erkenntnisse, indem sie aufzeigen, dass die Methode effizient ist.' Professor: 'Das ist gut. Können Sie uns sagen, welche _______ Erkenntnisse genau gemeint sind?'
The professor is asking about the 'previous' (bisherigen) knowledge mentioned by the student.
Where would you most likely read: 'Die Befunde erweitern bisherige Erkenntnisse, indem sie aufzeigen...'?
This is a highly formal, academic phrase.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but 'aufzeigen' sounds more formal and deliberate, like pointing something out with a laser pointer in a presentation.
No. 'Weil' means 'because' (reason). 'Indem' means 'by' (method/manner).
Yes, in German, subordinate clauses must be separated by a comma.
'Ergebnis' is a general result. 'Befund' is a specific finding after a professional examination (medical, scientific).
Yes, if it's a formal report or a serious update on a project.
Only in formal speeches, presentations, or lectures. Never in a casual chat.
It means 'previous' or 'up until now'.
Yes, but 'Erkenntnisse' sounds more professional and academic than 'Wissen'.
It is '{die|f} Erkenntnis' (singular) and '{die|f} Erkenntnisse' (plural).
You can say 'Die Befunde ergänzen das bisherige Wissen.'
Related Phrases
Den aktuellen Forschungsstand ergänzen
synonymTo supplement the current state of research.
Einen Beitrag leisten zu
builds onTo make a contribution to...
Neue Perspektiven eröffnen
similarTo open up new perspectives.
Bisherige Annahmen infrage stellen
contrastTo call previous assumptions into question.
