To bring something into a normal, usual, or regulated state, or return it to such a state.
example
Die Zentralbank versucht, durch Zinserhöhungen die Inflationsrate zu normalisieren.
The central bank is trying to normalize the inflation rate through interest rate hikes.
Usage tips
Word family
The verb 'normalisieren' (to normalize) is derived from the adjective 'normal' (normal). The ending '-isieren' is often used to form verbs from adjectives or nouns that mean 'to make something ...'.
EXAMPLE
Die Stadt will den Verkehr in der Innenstadt normalisieren.
The city wants to normalize traffic in the city center.
Active vs. reflexive
The verb can be used transitively or reflexively. 'Etwas normalisieren' (to normalize something) means that a person or institution is acting actively. 'Sich normalisieren' (to normalize) means that a situation becomes normal again on its own.
EXAMPLE
Die Regierung versucht, die wirtschaftliche Lage zu normalisieren.
The government is trying to normalize the economic situation.
Typical subjects
When something normalizes on its own, the subjects are often abstract states or measured values. Typical examples are: 'die Situation' (the situation), 'die Lage' (the situation), 'der Blutdruck' (blood pressure), 'der Pegelstand' (water level), or 'der Puls' (pulse).
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Schreck hat sich ihr Herzschlag schnell wieder normalisiert.
After the shock, her heartbeat quickly normalized again.
Political context
In political usage, 'normalisieren' (to normalize) is almost always used in the combinations 'die Beziehungen' (relations) or 'das Verhältnis' (relationship) between states.
EXAMPLE
Die beiden Länder arbeiten daran, ihre diplomatischen Beziehungen zu normalisieren.
The two countries are working to normalize their diplomatic relations.
Technical language (statistics)
In mathematics and statistics, 'normalisieren' (to normalize) has a very specific, technical meaning. It means putting data onto a uniform scale in order to make it comparable.
EXAMPLE
Für das maschinelle Lernen müssen wir die Eingabewerte zuerst normalisieren.
For machine learning, we first have to normalize the input values.
Compare with
near_synonym
normalisieren vs beruhigen
to calm
'beruhigen' and 'normalisieren' can both describe an unsettled or difficult situation getting better again. 'beruhigen' emphasizes that there is less excitement, tension, or conflict. 'normalisieren' emphasizes that something returns to its usual or regulated state. For feelings and arguments, 'beruhigen' sounds more natural. For processes, traffic, prices, or a general situation, 'normalisieren' is often more precise.
normalisieren
Nach dem Streik normalisiert sich der Zugverkehr langsam wieder.
After the strike, train traffic is slowly returning to normal.
beruhigen
Nach der Arbeit hat sich Frau Becker schnell beruhigt.