aus|bessern
Translation
to repair, to mend, to patch up, to touch up
Examples
Ich muss das Loch in der Hose ausbessern.
I have to mend the hole in my trousers.
Der Maler bessert die Kratzer an der Wand aus.
The painter is touching up the scratches on the wall.
Grammar Patterns
to repair/mend ((sth.)) I'm mending my old bicycle.
Similar Words
Synonyms: to repair, to mend; Antonyms: to damage, to destroy
Etymology
From the prefix 'aus-' (out, here implying completion) and 'bessern' (to make better).
Memory Tips
Think of making something 'better' by fixing a flaw. The prefix 'aus-' separates in sentences like 'Ich bessere es aus'.