to reduce / to throttle
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to reduce / throttle
To decrease or reduce the speed, output, or amount of something. This often applies to engines, production, or pace.
Wegen der Baustelle müssen die Autofahrer ihre Geschwindigkeit drosseln.
Because of the construction site, drivers have to reduce their speed.
to strangle
To choke someone by squeezing their throat and cutting off their air supply.
In dem Kriminalroman versuchte der Täter, sein Opfer zu drosseln.
In the crime novel, the perpetrator tried to strangle his victim.
In the technical meaning, 'drosseln' (to reduce/throttle) is often used with abstract or technical nouns. Typical phrases are: 'die Geschwindigkeit drosseln' (to reduce the speed), 'das Tempo drosseln' (to slow the pace), 'die Leistung drosseln' (to throttle the output), or 'die Produktion drosseln' (to reduce production).
Der Internetanbieter drosselt die Geschwindigkeit nach Verbrauch eines bestimmten Datenvolumens.
The internet provider throttles the speed after a certain amount of data has been used.
The related noun is 'die Drosselung' (the reduction/throttling). It describes the process or result of reducing something, for example 'die Drosselung der Motorleistung' (the throttling of engine power).
Die Drosselung der Internetgeschwindigkeit ist in meinem Vertrag festgelegt.
The throttling of internet speed is specified in my contract.
The meaning becomes clear from the object of the verb. If 'drosseln' refers to a person or living being, it means 'würgen' (to strangle/choke). If it refers to a thing or process (e.g. speed, engine), it means 'reduzieren' (to reduce).
Der Fahrer drosselte vor der Kurve das Tempo.
The driver reduced his speed before the curve.
to reduce
Both verbs can express a reduction in production, output, or speed. „Reduzieren“ describes the lower level in general, while „drosseln“ particularly emphasizes deliberately regulating an ongoing process downward. „Reduzieren“ is appropriate for a planned new level; for an ongoing system, „drosseln“ is also suitable.
Wegen des Strommangels drosselt das Werk seine laufende Produktion.
Because of the electricity shortage, the plant is throttling back its current production.
Das Werk reduziert seine Produktion im kommenden Jahr um zehn Prozent.
The plant reduces its production by ten percent next year.
