to minimize
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to minimize
To reduce or decrease something to the smallest possible amount. This can refer to costs, risks, effort, or other measurable quantities.
Wir müssen die Risiken minimieren, bevor wir das Projekt starten.
We need to minimize the risks before we start the project.
to minimize
In computing, to shrink a window in a graphical user interface so that it is only visible as an icon in the taskbar or dock, without closing the program.
Minimiere bitte das Fenster, ich muss kurz etwas auf dem Desktop suchen.
Please minimize the window; I need to quickly look for something on the desktop.
'Minimieren' (to minimize) belongs to the word family of 'Minimum' (minimum) and 'minimal' (minimal). It literally means to bring something down to a minimum or to make it minimal. The ending '-ieren' is typical of verbs borrowed from foreign languages.
Bitte minimiere den Lärm, ich muss mich konzentrieren.
Please minimize the noise; I need to concentrate.
The verb 'minimieren' (to minimize) always requires an accusative object. You ask: Whom or what do you minimize? The answer is in the accusative.
Die Firma versucht, ihre Ausgaben zu minimieren.
The company is trying to minimize its expenses.
In its main meaning, 'minimieren' (to minimize) is often used with abstract nouns. Typical combinations are 'Kosten minimieren' (to minimize costs), 'Risiken minimieren' (to minimize risks), 'den Aufwand minimieren' (to minimize the effort), or 'Verluste minimieren' (to minimize losses).
Durch bessere Planung konnten wir den Zeitaufwand minimieren.
Through better planning, we were able to minimize the amount of time required.
You can recognize the computer-related meaning from the context. If a 'Fenster' (window), a 'Programm' (program), or an 'Anwendung' (application) is being discussed, 'minimieren' (to minimize) means to shrink it on the screen.
Ich habe das Video nur minimiert, nicht geschlossen.
I only minimized the video; I didn't close it.
to reduce
„Reduzieren“ refers to any decrease in costs or risks. „Minimieren“ goes further and emphasizes the goal of lowering them to the smallest possible amount. „Reduzieren“ therefore fits a limited decrease, while „minimieren“ fits the strongest possible decrease.
Mit mehreren Schutzmaßnahmen will die Firma das finanzielle Risiko so weit wie möglich minimieren.
With several protective measures, the company wants to minimize the financial risk as much as possible.
Mit einer Versicherung kann die Firma das finanzielle Risiko deutlich reduzieren.
With insurance, the company can significantly reduce the financial risk.
