Light-verb construction 'zum Ausdruck bringen' (to express)

What it is: zum Ausdruck bringen is a light-verb construction meaning to express. The noun Ausdruck (expression) carries the meaning; bringen is the light verb.

When it is used: It is formal and frequent in written statements and speeches, often for expressing feelings, concerns, opinions or thanks. The plain equivalent is ausdrücken.

How it is formed: What is expressed stands in the accusative, followed by zum Ausdruck and bringen:

• Accusative object + zum Ausdruck + bringen

The intransitive variant zum Ausdruck kommen means "to find expression / to be expressed."

Examples:

• Sie bringt ihre Sorge zum Ausdruck. - She expresses her concern.
• Der Redner brachte seinen Dank zum Ausdruck. - The speaker expressed his thanks.
• In dem Gemälde kommt eine tiefe Melancholie zum Ausdruck. - A deep melancholy is expressed in the painting.

Common mistakes: Keep the phrase fixed: zum Ausdruck (= zu dem Ausdruck), never in Ausdruck or zum Ausdrücken. Distinguish active bringen (someone expresses something) from intransitive kommen (something is expressed).

'zum Ausdruck bringen' = to express.

Means 'to express'; a fixed noun + verb combination.

'zum Ausdruck bringen' = ausdrücken.