to lessen
Loading your saved state.
to lessen
To weaken or reduce the intensity or harshness of something negative. This can refer to pain, punishments, conflicts, or harsh statements.
Die neuen Medikamente sollen die Symptome der Krankheit mildern.
The new medications are intended to lessen the symptoms of the illness.
The verb 'mildern' (to lessen) is directly derived from the adjective 'mild' (mild). It literally means to make something 'milder'—that is, less harsh, sharp, or intense.
Eine Tasse Tee kann Halsschmerzen etwas mildern.
A cup of tea can lessen a sore throat somewhat.
'Mildern' (to lessen) can be used transitively or reflexively. Transitively, a person or thing lessens something negative (e.g., pain). Reflexively, 'sich mildern' means that something becomes less intense on its own (e.g., anger).
Die Salbe mildert den Juckreiz.
The ointment lessens the itching.
When 'mildern' (to lessen) is used transitively, it always refers to something negative. Typical objects are: pain, symptoms, the consequences, a judgment, a punishment, or a conflict.
Ein Kompromiss konnte den Konflikt zwischen den Parteien mildern.
A compromise was able to lessen the conflict between the parties.
In a legal context, 'mildern' (to reduce) has the fixed meaning of reducing a punishment or judgment. Words like 'Gericht' (court), 'Strafe' (punishment/sentence), or 'Angeklagter' (defendant) are clear signals for this meaning.
Der Richter milderte das Urteil, weil der Täter noch sehr jung war.
The judge reduced the sentence because the offender was still very young.
In a legal context, the expression 'mildernde Umstände' (mitigating circumstances) is very important. These are reasons that make an act seem less serious and can lead to a lighter punishment.
Das Gericht erkannte mildernde Umstände an.
The court recognized mitigating circumstances.
to strengthen / reinforce / amplify
'verstärken' and 'mildern' both describe a change in strength or intensity. But they go in opposite directions. 'verstärken' is used when something becomes, or is made, stronger, clearer, or more effective. 'mildern' is used when something negative becomes weaker, less harsh, or less unpleasant. Typically, for example, you say that wind 'sich verstärkt' (intensifies), but pain 'gemildert wird' (is lessened).
Die Tabletten mildern die Schmerzen schon nach kurzer Zeit.
The tablets lessen the pain after only a short time.
Der starke Regen verstärkt die Probleme auf den Straßen.
The heavy rain is worsening the problems on the roads.