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.
limited / allocated
Used adjectivally to express that something is available only to a limited, scarce extent.
Da unsere Zeit knapp bemessen ist, kommen wir direkt zum Hauptpunkt.
Since our time is limited, let's get straight to the main point.
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.
to limit / border
Both expressions can refer to a limited amount of time or quantity. “Begrenzen” says that someone sets an upper limit. “Knapp bemessen,” by contrast, describes an available amount that is set at only a small level from the outset. Use “begrenzen” for a set boundary and “bemessen” when the scarcity is felt.
Die Bearbeitungszeit der Prüfung ist mit zwei Stunden knapp bemessen.
The exam’s two-hour time limit is tight.
Die Prüfungsleitung begrenzt die Bearbeitungszeit auf zwei Stunden.
The exam supervisors are limiting the time allowed to two hours.
