to amend
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to amend
To change something existing, such as a text, a plan, or a law, in parts or details in order to adapt or improve it. It usually implies a minor change rather than a fundamental one.
Der Vertragsentwurf muss noch in einigen Punkten abgeändert werden.
The draft contract still needs to be amended in a few points.
'Abändern' (to amend) is a separable verb. The prefix 'ab-' comes at the end in main clauses. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
Wir ändern den ursprünglichen Plan leicht ab.
We are slightly amending the original plan.
This verb is almost always used in reference to official or formal documents and plans. Typical objects are: 'einen Vertrag abändern' (to amend a contract), 'ein Gesetz abändern' (to amend a law), 'einen Antrag abändern' (to amend an application/motion), or 'einen Entwurf abändern' (to amend a draft).
Der Autor möchte einige Sätze im Manuskript noch abändern.
The author still wants to amend a few sentences in the manuscript.
'Abändern' (to amend) belongs more to written language and is often used in formal, administrative, or legal contexts. It sounds more official than the neutral verb 'ändern' (to change).
Das Parlament hat den Gesetzesentwurf in zweiter Lesung abgeändert.
Parliament amended the draft law in its second reading.
to change
Ändern is a neutral term for any kind of change. Abändern is especially appropriate when something that already exists is deliberately adjusted in specific points while essentially remaining intact. For a limited revision, abändern is therefore more precise; ändern is more general.
Wegen des schlechten Wetters ändern wir den bestehenden Plan für den Ausflug leicht ab.
Because of the bad weather, we are slightly amending the existing plan for the outing.
Wegen des schlechten Wetters ändern wir den Plan für den Ausflug.
Because of the bad weather, we are changing the plan for the outing.
