to reform
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to reform
To fundamentally change and improve an existing system, organization, or law in order to adapt it to new circumstances.
Die Regierung plant, das Steuersystem zu reformieren.
The government plans to reform the tax system.
to reform
In a historical and religious context, to carry out a renewal, especially in relation to the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century.
Martin Luther wollte die katholische Kirche reformieren und leitete damit eine Spaltung ein.
Martin Luther wanted to reform the Catholic Church and thereby initiated a split.
to reform
In chemistry, to change the molecular structure of hydrocarbons in order to improve the quality of fuels such as gasoline (reforming).
In der Raffinerie wird Rohbenzin reformiert, um die Oktanzahl zu erhöhen.
In the refinery, naphtha is reformed to increase the octane rating.
'Reformieren' (to reform) is a typical verb ending in '-ieren', often derived from Latin. These verbs are always regular and inseparable. The prefix 're-' means 'again' or 'new', so literally 'to form anew'.
Sie diskutierten lange, wie man das Bildungssystem reformieren könnte.
They discussed for a long time how the education system could be reformed.
The verb 'reformieren' (to reform) is closely related to the noun 'die Reform' (reform). A reform is the change or improvement achieved by reforming.
Die neue Gesundheitsreform tritt nächstes Jahr in Kraft.
The new healthcare reform comes into effect next year.
You can recognize the more specific meanings from the context. In connection with 'Kirche' (church) or 'Luther', the historical Reformation is meant. Terms like 'Benzin' (gasoline) or 'Raffinerie' (refinery) point to the technical language of chemistry.
Im Geschichtsunterricht lernen wir, wie die Kirche reformiert wurde.
In history class, we learn how the church was reformed.
In its most common meaning, 'reformieren' (to reform) is used with abstract systems and institutions. Typical objects are 'das Gesetz' (the law), 'die Wirtschaft' (the economy), 'die Verwaltung' (the administration), or 'das Schulsystem' (the school system).
Viele Bürger fordern, das Wahlsystem zu reformieren.
Many citizens are demanding that the electoral system be reformed.
to modernize
Modernisieren and reformieren can both mean adapting an existing system to new conditions. Modernisieren brings it up to date technically, in terms of content, or in design. Reformieren, by contrast, changes its fundamental structures or rules in order to improve it.
Das Land reformiert das Schulsystem und verändert seine grundlegenden Strukturen und Regeln.
The country is reforming the school system and changing its fundamental structures and rules.
Das Land modernisiert das Schulsystem mit digitaler Technik und neuen Lernmethoden.
The country is modernizing the school system with digital technology and new teaching methods.
