Aufzuschlüsseln

Aufzuschlüsseln is a German verb meaning to break down or itemize something into its component parts, to reveal the underlying structure, or to explain a complex matter in detail. It is commonly used when aggregated information is converted into a detailed presentation of categories, elements, or steps. The related noun is Aufschlüsselung.

Grammatical note: aufzuschlüsseln is a separable verb. In clauses with finite verbs, the prefix auf- is separated and appears at the end of the clause (for example: Die Kosten werden aufgeschlüsselt). The infinitive form with zu is aufzuschlüsseln, and the past participle is aufgeschlüsselt. The usage is neutral and formal, suitable for technical and analytical writing.

Typical contexts include business and accounting (Kosten, Umsätze aufschlüsseln), statistics and research (Daten nach Kriterien aufschlüsseln), policy reporting and journalism (Ursachen, Auswirkungen aufschlüsseln). It can also be used metaphorically to explain a complex matter step by step: Man kann den Sachverhalt aufschlüsseln, um ihn verständlicher zu machen.

Semantically related terms include Aufschlüsselung, Aufgliederung, und Detaillierung. In cryptographic contexts, decoding a cipher is usually described as entschlüsseln rather than aufschlüsseln, though the latter can be used in a broader sense to mean “unfolding” or revealing a sequence of reasoning.