Ausschmücken

Ausschmücken is a German verb meaning to adorn or embellish something with decorative details, or to elaborate a scene, description, or speech with vivid elements. It can refer to physical decoration as well as to figurative embellishment in speech and writing.

In physical contexts, ausschmücken implies supplying many ornaments, colors, and details to create a rich, festive, or impressive impression: der Saal wurde ausgeschmückt; der Baum war festlich ausgeschmückt. In a narrative or rhetorical context, it denotes adding vivid or elaborate details, which can enhance imagery but also suggest gratuitous or exaggerated embellishment: eine Geschichte ausschmücken, eine Rede ausschmücken. The connotation depends on context and intention.

Etymology and usage notes: The verb is formed from schmücken (to decorate) with the prefix aus-, indicating outward extent or thoroughness. It is common in standard German and appears in both formal and informal registers. Related terms include schmücken (to decorate) and verschönern (to beautify); a stronger sense of excess can be conveyed by phrases like übertrieben ausschmücken.

Usage examples and nuance: In neutral descriptions, it emphasizes decoration and detail. When applied to prose or testimony, ausschmücken often warns of embellishment beyond factual accuracy.