to specify / to take shape
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to specify
To explain or present something that was previously vague or general in a more precise and detailed way. You make an idea or a plan more tangible.
Können Sie Ihre Vorschläge bitte etwas konkretisieren?
Could you please specify your suggestions a little?
to take shape
To assume a concrete, tangible form; to become clearer or more definite.
Langsam konkretisierte sich der Verdacht gegen den Angeklagten.
The suspicion against the defendant slowly took shape.
The verb 'konkretisieren' (to specify/make concrete) is derived from the adjective 'konkret' (concrete/specific). The ending '-isieren' means 'to make something ...'. Literally, it therefore means 'to make something concrete'.
Deine Idee ist gut, aber du musst sie noch konkretisieren.
Your idea is good, but you still need to specify it.
This verb can be used transitively, meaning someone makes something concrete, or reflexively, meaning something becomes concrete by itself. Pay attention to the difference: 'Ich konkretisiere den Plan' (I specify the plan) vs. 'Der Plan konkretisiert sich' (The plan takes shape).
Die Architektin konkretisierte ihre Entwürfe in einem Modell.
The architect specified her designs in a model.
When a person 'konkretisiert' (specifies) something, the objects are often abstract things such as: 'einen Plan konkretisieren' (to specify a plan), 'eine Idee konkretisieren' (to specify an idea), 'einen Vorschlag konkretisieren' (to specify a suggestion), or 'eine Absicht konkretisieren' (to specify an intention).
In der nächsten Sitzung werden wir die Pläne für das Projekt konkretisieren.
In the next meeting, we will specify the plans for the project.
'Konkretisieren' (to specify) is a word often used in formal, professional, or academic contexts, for example in meetings, presentations, or academic papers.
Der Autor muss seine Thesen im nächsten Kapitel weiter konkretisieren.
The author must specify his theses further in the next chapter.
to flesh out / design
Both verbs can be used to develop an initially general plan in more detail. Konkretisieren mainly makes vague requirements more tangible and precise, whereas ausgestalten further develops the content or formal execution. Use konkretisieren for greater precision and ausgestalten for more complete development.
Im nächsten Treffen wollen wir den allgemeinen Plan durch genaue Termine konkretisieren.
At the next meeting, we want to specify the general plan by setting exact dates.
Das Team gestaltete den allgemeinen Plan mit konkreten Angeboten und einem Zeitplan aus.
The team fleshed out the general plan with specific services and a schedule.
