to determine / measure
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to determine
To set or calculate the size, extent, or duration of something according to a specific standard or criterion. Often used in the passive or as a participle.
Die Höhe des Stipendiums wird nach dem Einkommen der Eltern bemessen.
The amount of the scholarship is determined according to the parents' income.
The verb 'bemessen' (to determine/measure) consists of the inseparable prefix 'be-' and the verb 'messen' (to measure). The prefix causes an action to be applied to an object: you do not just measure, but determine something on the basis of a measurement.
Die Versicherung bemisst den Schaden auf 5000 Euro.
The insurance company assesses the damage at 5,000 euros.
In this meaning, 'bemessen' (to determine) is usually used in the passive with the preposition 'nach' (according to) and the dative. The structure is: something is determined according to [criterion].
Die Gebühren werden nach der Größe der Wohnung bemessen.
The fees are determined according to the size of the apartment.
The verb 'bemessen' (to determine) belongs to formal language in this meaning. You often find it in contracts, regulations, and official documents.
Das Gericht wird die Strafe angemessen bemessen.
The court will determine the sentence appropriately.
When 'bemessen' is used like an adjective, adverbs that describe the amount often come before it. Very common are 'knapp bemessen' (tightly limited), 'großzügig bemessen' (generously allocated), or 'reichlich bemessen' (plentifully allocated).
Das Budget für dieses Projekt ist sehr knapp bemessen.
The budget for this project is very tight.
scarce / just under / close
'knapp' and 'bemessen' can together express the idea that something is available only in a limited amount. 'knapp' is the simple, general word: time, money, or space is only just enough. Here, 'bemessen' usually appears as a participle, especially in expressions like 'knapp bemessen' (limited / tightly allocated). It sounds somewhat more formal and emphasizes that an amount, time, or size has been allocated or set. In everyday language, people often simply say 'knapp'; in planning, work, or administration, 'knapp bemessen' sounds more precise.
Für das Projekt ist das Budget sehr knapp bemessen.
The budget for the project is very limited.
Die Zeit ist knapp, weil der Zug in zehn Minuten fährt.
Time is tight because the train leaves in ten minutes.