to settle
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to settle
To become settled in a place and establish one's permanent residence there.
Nach vielen Jahren im Ausland haben sie sich schließlich in einem kleinen Dorf in Bayern niedergelassen.
After many years abroad, they finally settled in a small village in Bavaria.
'Niederlassen' (to settle/lower) is a separable verb. The prefix 'nieder-' comes at the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
Er lässt sich in Berlin nieder.
He settles in Berlin.
In most meanings, 'niederlassen' (to settle) is used reflexively with 'sich'. The reflexive pronoun is obligatory and must be adapted to the person. Only when you lower an object is it not reflexive.
Wir lassen uns hier für immer nieder.
We are settling here forever.
When 'sich niederlassen' (to settle) means to live in a place, the place is usually given with the preposition 'in' and the dative.
Viele junge Familien lassen sich am Stadtrand in einem eigenen Haus nieder.
Many young families settle in their own house on the outskirts of town.
The meaning 'eine Praxis eröffnen' (to open a practice) is limited to certain self-employed professions. You hear it almost only in connection with doctors, lawyers, or therapists.
Nach Jahren im Krankenhaus will sie sich als Kinderärztin niederlassen.
After years in the hospital, she wants to set up practice as a pediatrician.
When 'sich niederlassen' (to sit down) stands for 'sich hinsetzen' (to sit down), it is a very formal and elevated expression. You are more likely to find it in literature or on ceremonial occasions.
Der König ließ sich auf seinem Thron nieder.
The king sat down on his throne.
to lower
'senken' and 'niederlassen' can both describe moving something downward. 'senken' is the normal word when you hold something lower or bring it into a lower position, for example your head, your hand, or your voice. 'niederlassen' is more specific in this meaning: you move something slowly downward and set it down. It often sounds somewhat elevated or fits with heavy things. The words can be confused because both describe a downward movement. The key point is: 'senken' emphasizes the lower position, while 'niederlassen' emphasizes carefully setting something down.
Die Arbeiter lassen die schwere Kiste langsam auf den Boden nieder.
The workers slowly lower the heavy crate to the ground.
Yara senkt den Blick, weil ihr die Frage unangenehm ist.
Yara lowers her gaze because the question makes her uncomfortable.