to specialize
Loading your saved state.
to specialize in
To acquire special knowledge and skills in a particular subject area, activity, or field and focus on it.
Der Anwalt hat sich auf internationales Steuerrecht spezialisiert.
The lawyer has specialized in international tax law.
'Spezialisieren' (to specialize) is a reflexive verb and is always used with 'sich'. It requires the fixed preposition 'auf' followed by the accusative.
Die Ärztin hat sich auf die Behandlung von Kindern spezialisiert.
The doctor has specialized in treating children.
The verb 'spezialisieren' (to specialize) is closely related to the adjective 'speziell' (special) and the noun 'der Spezialist' (the specialist). All of these words refer to a particular field of expertise.
Er ist Spezialist für alte Uhren und hat sich schon früh darauf spezialisiert.
He is a specialist in old watches and specialized in them early on.
This verb is often used in professional or academic contexts. People typically specialize in 'ein Gebiet' (a field), 'einen Bereich' (an area), 'ein Fach' (a subject), or 'ein Thema' (a topic).
Unser Unternehmen hat sich auf den Bereich der erneuerbaren Energien spezialisiert.
Our company has specialized in the field of renewable energies.
to specify
'spezialisieren' and 'spezifizieren' sound very similar, but they mean different things. 'sich spezialisieren auf' (to specialize in) is used for people or companies that focus on a particular subject area and know or can do a lot in that field. 'spezifizieren' means to state something precisely or define it in detail, for example requirements, measurements, or wishes. The risk of confusion comes mainly from the similar form. Remember: people or companies specialize in a field; information, rules, or wishes are specified.
Nach dem Studium möchte sich Lena auf Kinderheilkunde spezialisieren.
After her studies, Lena wants to specialize in pediatrics.
Bitte spezifizieren Sie Ihre Wünsche, damit wir ein passendes Angebot machen können.
Please specify your wishes so that we can make a suitable offer.