individualization
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individualization
A sociological process in which the individual detaches from traditional social bonds and norms, and personal life planning and identity move to the foreground.
Die zunehmende Individualisierung der Gesellschaft führt zu neuen Formen des Zusammenlebens.
The increasing individualization of society is leading to new forms of living together.
The word belongs to a family: the adjective is 'individuell' (individual), and the related verb is 'individualisieren' (to individualize/customize). The ending '-ung' turns the verb into a noun that describes the process or the result.
Jeder Mensch hat individuelle Bedürfnisse.
Every person has individual needs.
You can recognize the meaning from the context. If it is about 'Gesellschaft' (society), 'Lebensstile' (lifestyles), or 'soziale Prozesse' (social processes), the sociological meaning is intended. If the word appears in connection with 'Produkten' (products), 'Kunden' (customers), or 'Wünschen' (wishes), it is about adapting goods.
Die Individualisierung ist ein Merkmal moderner Gesellschaften.
Individualization is a feature of modern societies.
'Individualisierung' (individualization/customization) is a rather formal word that is often used in academia, especially sociology, in business, and in specialist texts.
Der Professor hielt einen Vortrag über die Folgen der Individualisierung.
The professor gave a lecture on the consequences of individualization.
In a sociological context, the word is often combined with adjectives such as 'zunehmend' (increasing), 'fortschreitend' (progressive/advancing), or 'wachsend' (growing) to emphasize its nature as a process.
Die fortschreitende Individualisierung verändert die Familienstrukturen.
Progressive individualization is changing family structures.
When it comes to products, people often speak of the 'Grad der Individualisierung' (degree of customization) or the 'Möglichkeiten zur Individualisierung' (possibilities for customization).
Dieses Software-Paket bietet einen hohen Grad an Individualisierung.
This software package offers a high degree of customization.
adaptation / adjustment
'die Anpassung' and 'die Individualisierung' can both mean that something is changed so that it fits better. The difference lies in the goal. 'Anpassung' is more general: something is adapted to new conditions, rules, or a specific purpose. This can be a person, a plan, a device, or software. 'Individualisierung' fits better when something is tailored exactly to an individual person or an individual customer. Learners may confuse the words because customization often also involves an adjustment. Memory aid: every 'Individualisierung' is a kind of 'Anpassung', but not every 'Anpassung' is individual.
Die Individualisierung des Fahrrads ist möglich, wenn der Kunde Farbe und Ausstattung selbst wählt.
Customization of the bicycle is possible if the customer chooses the color and equipment themselves.
Die Anpassung der Software an die neuen Geräte hat länger gedauert als geplant.
The adjustment of the software to the new devices took longer than planned.