inflation
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inflation
A process in economics in which the general price level rises and the purchasing power of money falls.
Wegen der hohen Inflation ist mein Geld weniger wert als letztes Jahr.
Because of the high inflation, my money is worth less than last year.
Words that end in '-ion' are almost always feminine in German and take the article 'die'. They often describe a process or an abstract concept.
Die Globalisierung führt zu einer stärkeren Konkurrenz.
Globalization leads to stronger competition.
In an economic context, 'Inflation' (inflation) is often combined with certain adjectives and verbs. You will often hear 'hohe/steigende Inflation' (high/rising inflation) or 'die Inflation zu bekämpfen' (to fight inflation).
Die Zentralbank versucht, die steigende Inflation zu kontrollieren.
The central bank is trying to control rising inflation.
This figurative meaning is often used in the structure 'eine Inflation von [etwas]' (an inflation of [something]). It describes an excessive amount of something abstract, usually viewed negatively.
In den sozialen Medien gibt es eine Inflation von Meinungen.
On social media, there is an inflation of opinions.
This meaning of 'Inflation' (inflation) is a purely technical term from cosmology and physics. Outside scientific texts or discussions about the universe, you will hardly encounter it.
Die Theorie der kosmischen Inflation ist ein wichtiger Teil des Urknallmodells.
The theory of cosmic inflation is an important part of the Big Bang model.
increase
'Inflation' and 'Zunahme' both describe something becoming more. 'Zunahme' is very general and can refer to many things, for example visitors, weight, costs, or traffic. 'Inflation' is much more specific: it usually means that prices in general are rising and money is losing value. In some contexts, 'Inflation' can also mean an excessive increase in something, but that sounds stronger and more judgmental. For normal increases, 'Zunahme' is more natural; for rising prices in the economy, 'Inflation' is more precise.
Wegen der Inflation kosten viele Lebensmittel mehr als früher.
Because of inflation, many foods cost more than they used to.
Die Stadt spricht über die Zunahme des Verkehrs im Zentrum.
The city is discussing the increase in traffic in the center.