to reduce
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to reduce
To decrease, reduce, or lessen something in its extent, intensity, value, or effect. It can also be used reflexively ('sich mindern') to express that something becomes less on its own.
Regelmäßige Wartung kann das Risiko von teuren Reparaturen erheblich mindern.
Regular maintenance can significantly reduce the risk of expensive repairs.
'Mindern' sounds like the English verb 'to mind', but it has a completely different meaning. 'Mindern' means 'to lessen' or 'to reduce', while 'to mind' in German means 'etwas dagegen haben' (to object/mind) or 'aufpassen' (to watch out/pay attention).
Die neuen Maßnahmen sollen die Umweltverschmutzung mindern.
The new measures are intended to reduce environmental pollution.
'Mindern' is a word used in elevated or formal language. You often find it in written texts, reports, or official speeches.
Der Skandal minderte das Ansehen des Politikers erheblich.
The scandal significantly reduced the politician's reputation.
The verb can be used transitively, as in someone reduces something, or reflexively, as in something reduces itself ('etwas mindert sich'). Reflexive means that something becomes less on its own.
Gute Dämmung mindert die Heizkosten.
Good insulation reduces heating costs.
'Mindern' is often combined with abstract nouns. Typical examples are: 'das Risiko mindern' (to reduce the risk), 'den Wert mindern' (to reduce the value), 'die Qualität mindern' (to reduce the quality), or 'den Schmerz mindern' (to lessen the pain).
Nichts konnte ihre Freude über das Wiedersehen mindern.
Nothing could diminish her joy at the reunion.
to increase
'erhöhen' and 'mindern' are clear opposites. 'erhöhen' makes something larger, stronger, or higher. 'mindern' makes something smaller, weaker, or less effective. Both words often fit abstract things such as risk, damage, value, pressure, or effect. 'mindern' sounds a little more formal than 'verringern' or 'weniger machen', but it is completely normal in many factual texts.
Eine gute Vorbereitung mindert die Angst vor der Prüfung.
Good preparation reduces the fear of the exam.
Mehr Bewegung kann die Konzentration im Unterricht erhöhen.
More exercise can increase concentration in class.