increase / rise
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increase
The raising of an amount, value, or degree, for example with prices, salaries, or taxes.
Die Mieter protestieren gegen die plötzliche Erhöhung der Nebenkosten.
The tenants are protesting against the sudden increase in service charges.
rise
A place in the terrain that is higher than the surroundings; a small elevation or hill.
Von der kleinen Erhöhung aus hatte man einen wunderbaren Blick über die ganze Stadt.
From the small rise, you had a wonderful view over the whole city.
The noun 'die Erhöhung' (increase / rise) is derived directly from the verb 'erhöhen' (to increase / to raise), which means 'höher machen' (to make higher). The base is the adjective 'hoch' (high). This connection helps you understand both meanings: something becomes higher in value (price) or is geographically higher (hill).
Die Firma plant, die Preise zu erhöhen.
The company plans to raise the prices.
To state the amount of the increase, you use the preposition 'um' with the accusative. To say what is being increased, you use 'von' with the dative or the genitive.
Die Erhöhung der Miete um 50 Euro ist nicht gerechtfertigt.
The increase in rent by 50 euros is not justified.
In an economic context, 'Erhöhung' (increase) is often combined into fixed compound words. Very common are 'Preiserhöhung' (price increase), 'Gehaltserhöhung' (salary raise), 'Mieterhöhung' (rent increase), or 'Zinserhöhung' (interest rate hike).
Die Gewerkschaft fordert eine Gehaltserhöhung für alle Angestellten.
The union is demanding a salary raise for all employees.
You can recognize this meaning from the context, which refers to landscape and geography. Typical words nearby are 'Hügel' (hill), 'Blick' (view), 'Aussicht' (view), 'Gelände' (terrain), or verbs like 'stehen' (to stand) and 'hinaufsteigen' (to climb up).
Auf der kleinen Erhöhung machten wir eine Pause und genossen die Aussicht.
We took a break on the small rise and enjoyed the view.
increase / ascent
When referring to prices, Erhöhung usually means a deliberate increase. Anstieg describes more generally that prices are rising, even when this happens as a development without a specific intentional measure. Erhöhung is appropriate for a decision, while Anstieg is used for an observed development.
Das Unternehmen beschloss eine Erhöhung des Strompreises um fünf Prozent.
The company decided to increase the electricity price by five percent.
Wegen der hohen Nachfrage kam es zu einem Anstieg des Strompreises um fünf Prozent.
High demand led to a five-percent increase in the electricity price.
