Ausweitung

Ausweitung is a German noun describing the act or process of widening, broadening, or expanding something’s scope, range, or extent. It is formed from the verb ausweiten (to widen or extend) and is commonly used across different fields to indicate a deliberate increase in size, reach, or influence.

In politics and international relations, Ausweitung refers to the expansion of power, influence, or geographic reach, as well as the broadening of commitments or alliances. It can describe efforts to extend diplomatic ties, security arrangements, or economic cooperation to new regions or partners. In debates, it may be discussed alongside goals of sustainable growth, regional integration, or strategic repositioning.

In economics and business, Ausweitung denotes expanding production capacity, markets, or product lines, as well as increasing geographic presence. It covers aggressive market entry, diversification of offerings, and the scaling of operations to serve more customers or regions. In policy and law, it can describe the extension of regulatory scope, rights, or public programs, often in response to new needs or risks.

Notes on usage: Ausweitung is often used synonymously with Erweiterung, but the terms carry subtle nuances. Ausweitung emphasizes the process of becoming larger in scope or influence, while Erweiterung can imply a structural or contractual widening by adding components. Ausdehnung tends to refer more to physical extent or geographic span rather than the activity itself.

See also: Erweiterung, Ausdehnung, Expansion (Wirtschaft).