verb
ausgraben
excavate
Etwas aus der Erde holen, indem man mit den Händen oder einem Werkzeug gräbt.
Definition & meaning
The verb ausgraben has two primary meanings:
- To dig up (literally): To extract something from the ground by digging. This can refer to archaeological finds, buried treasures, or even the act of exhuming a corpse.
- To unearth or bring to light (figuratively): To find something that was hidden, forgotten, or suppressed and bring it back into the public eye or memory. This is often used regarding old information, forgotten memories, or long-lost traditions.
Grammar & Word origin
Grammar:
- Type: Strong verb (starke Verben).
- Principal parts: ausgraben (infinitive) – grub aus (past tense) – ausgegraben (past participle).
- Separability: It is a separable verb. In a main clause, the prefix aus- moves to the end of the sentence (e.g., "Er gräbt die alte Geschichte aus").
Word origin: The word is a combination of the prefix aus- (out) and the verb graben (to dig). It follows the logical construction of taking something from the inside (the earth) to the outside.
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms:
- for the literal meaning: fördern , freilegen , ausheben , exhumieren
- for the figurative meaning: aufdecken , ans Licht bringen , enthüllen
Antonyms:
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Examples
Die Archäologen wollen das alte Dorf ausgraben.verb
The archaeologists want to excavate the old village.
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