compact
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compact
Offering a lot of content or function in a small space; space-saving and densely built.
Ein kompaktes Auto ist in der Stadt sehr praktisch, weil es wenig Parkraum benötigt.
A compact car is very practical in the city because it needs little parking space.
concise
Summarizing information or knowledge briefly and clearly.
Der Reiseführer bietet einen kompakten Überblick über die wichtigsten Sehenswürdigkeiten.
The travel guide offers a concise overview of the most important sights.
solid
In physics and technology, it describes a firm, solid body without cavities.
Der Motorblock wurde aus einem kompakten Stück Gusseisen gefertigt.
The engine block was made from a solid piece of cast iron.
The word 'kompakt' (compact) comes from the Latin 'compactus', meaning 'compressed' or 'firmly joined'. This basic idea of density and space-saving design appears in all meanings.
Die neue Kamera ist sehr kompakt und passt in jede Jackentasche.
The new camera is very compact and fits into any jacket pocket.
The context reveals the meaning: when speaking about devices or objects, it usually refers to the space-saving quality. In connection with knowledge or information, it means 'kurz zusammengefasst' (briefly summarized). In technical contexts, it describes solid material.
Für die Reise habe ich einen kompakten Schlafsack gekauft.
I bought a compact sleeping bag for the trip.
In the meaning 'platzsparend' (space-saving), 'kompakt' (compact) is often used for technical devices and everyday objects. Typical combinations are 'kompaktes Auto' (compact car), 'kompakte Kamera' (compact camera), or 'kompakte Bauweise' (compact design).
Unsere neue Wohnung ist klein, aber sehr kompakt geschnitten.
Our new apartment is small, but laid out very compactly.
When it comes to information, 'kompakt' (concise/compact) often appears with nouns that describe knowledge or data. Common phrases are 'kompakter Überblick' (concise overview), 'kompaktes Wissen' (compact knowledge), or 'Informationen in kompakter Form' (information in compact form).
Das Handbuch liefert alle wichtigen Informationen in kompakter Form.
The handbook provides all the important information in compact form.
The meaning 'fest und ohne Hohlräume' (solid and without cavities) is used almost exclusively in technical or scientific texts, for example in physics, geology, or mechanical engineering.
Das Bauteil besteht aus einem kompakten Metallblock.
The component consists of a solid metal block.
scarce / just under / close
Knapp and kompakt can both describe a brief summary. Knapp primarily emphasizes the short length and the restriction to the essentials. Kompakt additionally highlights that many important pieces of information are presented densely despite the brevity.
Der Bericht bietet auf einer Seite einen kompakten Überblick über alle wichtigen Ergebnisse.
The report provides a concise overview of all the important results on one page.
Der Bericht fasst das Ergebnis in drei knappen Sätzen zusammen.
The report summarizes the result in three brief sentences.
