concise / flush
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concise
Describes a statement or explanation that is short, precise, and to the point; brief and apt.
Bitte fassen Sie die wichtigsten Ergebnisse kurz und bündig zusammen.
Please summarize the most important results briefly and concisely.
flush
In a craft or technical context, it means that two surfaces are exactly on the same level, without anything protruding or forming an edge; ending smoothly and evenly.
Die Schraube muss bündig mit der Holzoberfläche abschließen, damit man nicht hängen bleibt.
The screw must be flush with the wooden surface so that nothing catches on it.
'Bündig' (concise / flush) is related to the verb 'binden' (to bind). The basic idea is that something is firm and has no loose ends. That fits both a precise, 'tightly bound' statement and a smooth, accurately fitting surface.
Er erklärte den Plan kurz und bündig.
He explained the plan briefly and concisely.
The meaning depends strongly on the context. In connection with language, texts, or explanations, 'bündig' always means 'short and precise'. In a craft context, it means 'level, smooth, flush'.
Seine Antwort war klar und bündig.
His answer was clear and concise.
The fixed expression 'kurz und bündig' (brief and concise) is especially common. It is used to emphasize that an explanation or summary is very direct and without unnecessary details.
Kannst du mir kurz und bündig sagen, was passiert ist?
Can you tell me briefly and concisely what happened?
In the craft-related meaning, 'bündig' (flush) is often used with the preposition 'mit' (with) and the dative. It describes that one surface is on the same level as another.
Achte darauf, dass die Fliesen bündig mit dem Boden sind.
Make sure that the tiles are flush with the floor.
scarce / just under / close
Knapp and bündig can both describe a short answer. Knapp emphasizes above all its brevity and restriction to the essentials. Bündig additionally emphasizes that the statement is expressed precisely and to the point.
Nach gründlicher Vorbereitung beantwortete die Sprecherin dieselbe Frage kurz und bündig.
After thorough preparation, the spokesperson answered the same question briefly and concisely.
Unter Zeitdruck gab die Sprecherin eine knappe Antwort auf die Frage.
Under time pressure, the spokesperson gave a brief answer to the question.
