Alterations extended, ignoring German customs (8)

I believe the answer is:

rewrites

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'alterations extended ignoring' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'german customs' is the wordplay.
'german' becomes 'rew' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'customs' becomes 'rites' (both can mean rituals or traditions).
'rew'+'rites'='REWRITES'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for rewrites that I've seen is " Produces edited account".)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

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