German Conversation · Level 141
30 words
German word
umbauen
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈʊmbaʊ̯ən/
Meaning
- verbremodel
Example
Wir bauen das Haus um.
We are remodeling the house.
More examples
Wir bauen den Dachboden um, um ein Arbeitszimmer zu schaffen.
We are remodeling the attic to create a study.
Core concept
A room or building converted from its old arrangement into a new one.
Common phrases
bauen das Haus um
remodel the house
bauen die Küche um
remodel the kitchen
bauen das Zimmer um
remodel the room
Similar words
renovieren: To restore an aging building by repairing damaged or worn features.
umgestalten: To give a room or space a new arrangement, purpose, or atmosphere.
modernisieren: To replace outdated equipment or interiors with current technology or design.
sanieren: To make a building sound and safe again through extensive structural repairs.
Definition in German
ein vorhandenes Gebäude oder einen Raum durch bauliche Maßnahmen so verändern, dass sich Struktur oder Nutzung ändern
Word origin
The separable compound umbauen joins um-, meaning a change of state or arrangement here, with bauen, an inherited Germanic verb meaning to build.
Usage tips
- Umbauen can describe structural changes or a changed use, whereas renovieren normally suggests improvement without a fundamental change to the arrangement.