to compress
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to compress
To reduce the file size of digital data (e.g., images, videos, documents) using an algorithm so that they require less storage space.
Du musst die Bilder komprimieren, bevor du sie per E-Mail versendest.
You need to compress the images before you send them by email.
The verb comes from Latin 'comprimere' (to press together). The prefix 'kom-' means 'together'. This basic idea of pressing together or compacting appears in all meanings: with data, with materials, and with information.
Für den Transport wird das Heu zu Ballen komprimiert.
For transport, the hay is compressed into bales.
You can tell which meaning is intended from the object of the verb. If it is 'Dateien' (files) or 'Bilder' (images), it is about computers (m01). With 'Gas' (gas) or 'Abfall' (waste), it is a physical process (m02). With 'Informationen' (information) or 'einem Bericht' (a report), summarizing is meant (m03).
Ich muss die Videodatei komprimieren, sie ist zu groß.
I need to compress the video file; it's too large.
To describe the result of compressing, the prepositions 'zu' (into) or 'auf' (to/down to) are often used. You compress material 'zu' a new form or information 'auf' a smaller scope.
Die Maschine komprimiert die alten Autos zu Metallwürfeln.
The machine compresses the old cars into metal cubes.
In a digital context, typical objects are 'Dateien' (files), 'Bilder' (images), 'Videos' (videos), or 'Ordner' (folders). The result is often a ZIP file or another compressed format.
Wenn du viele Fotos verschicken willst, solltest du den Ordner komprimieren.
If you want to send a lot of photos, you should compress the folder.
to pack / grab / manage
'packen' and 'komprimieren' can both appear in situations where something is supposed to take up less space. But 'packen' means putting things into a bag, suitcase, or box. You arrange them for transport. 'komprimieren' means making something smaller or denser by applying pressure. The word sounds more technical and more precise. The words can be confused when, for example, you are preparing clothes for a trip. You 'packt den Koffer' (pack the suitcase), but you might 'komprimiert eine Jacke in einem Vakuumbeutel' (compress a jacket in a vacuum bag).
Mit einem Vakuumbeutel komprimiert Paul seine Jacke, damit sie weniger Platz braucht.
Paul compresses his jacket with a vacuum bag so that it takes up less space.
Heute Abend packt Lena ihren Koffer für die Reise.
This evening, Lena is packing her suitcase for the trip.