slim / lean
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slim
Describing a person or body that is thin and narrow in a way perceived as attractive.
Durch regelmäßigen Sport und gesunde Ernährung hat er eine schlanke Figur bekommen.
Through regular exercise and healthy eating, he got a slim figure.
When 'schlank' describes a person, animal, or object, it means 'thin and narrow.' When it refers to abstract nouns like 'Prozess' (process), 'Budget' (budget), or 'Verwaltung' (administration), it is used figuratively to mean 'efficient' or 'limited.'
Das neue Handy-Modell ist sehr schlank und leicht.
The new phone model is very slim and light.
When describing people, 'schlank' usually has a positive connotation. It implies not only that someone is thin, but also that the person looks fit, elegant, and attractive.
Sie ist auch im Alter noch sehr schlank und sportlich.
She is still very slim and athletic even in old age.
This figurative meaning is especially common in business and administration. There, 'schlank' describes processes, hierarchies, or production systems that do without unnecessary elements and are therefore very efficient.
Durch eine schlanke Verwaltung konnte das Unternehmen viel Geld sparen.
Through lean administration, the company was able to save a lot of money.
scarce / just under / close
'knapp' and 'schlank' can both mean that something is reduced or does not contain much. 'knapp' is often used when only a small amount of something is available or when an explanation is very brief. It can also sound negative because something is almost not enough. 'schlank' describes a thin, often positively viewed body in people. Figuratively, people also say 'schlanke Prozesse' (lean processes) or 'ein schlankes Budget' (a lean/tight budget) when something is small, simple, or without unnecessary parts. The words can be confusing because both occur with small amounts. 'knapp' tends to emphasize shortage or brevity, while 'schlank' tends to emphasize a reduced, often practical form.
Die Firma möchte ihre Abläufe schlanker machen, damit weniger Zeit verloren geht.
The company wants to make its processes leaner so that less time is lost.
Beim Termin ist die Zeit knapp, deshalb besprechen wir nur das Wichtigste.
Time is short at the appointment, so we will discuss only the most important things.