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.
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.
short / brief
'kurz' and 'kompakt' can both say that something does not need much space, time, or many words. The difference is in the focus: 'kurz' mainly means a short length or duration. It can also mean that a statement is brief. 'kompakt' more often means that a lot of content or function is packed into a small space, or that information is concise and well summarized. Learners may confuse the words because both can fit with texts or explanations. A 'kurze Erklärung' is simply not long; a 'kompakte Erklärung' uses few words but still contains the most important information.
Im Kurs bekommen wir eine kompakte Übersicht über die wichtigsten Regeln.
In the course, we get a concise overview of the most important rules.
Die Besprechung war heute kurz, weil alle gut vorbereitet waren.
The meeting was brief today because everyone was well prepared.