to specify
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to specify
To state, describe, or define something precisely and in detail. It means giving precise information in order to remove ambiguity.
Bitte spezifizieren Sie in Ihrer Bestellung die gewünschte Farbe und Größe.
Please specify the desired color and size in your order.
The ending '-izieren' indicates a foreign-word stem and is often used for formal or technical verbs. The verb is conjugated regularly ('spezifiziert', 'spezifizierte', 'hat spezifiziert' — specifies/specified/has specified).
Der Architekt spezifizierte die Materialien für den Bau.
The architect specified the materials for the construction.
'Spezifizieren' (to specify) almost always requires an accusative object. So you specify 'etwas' (something). Alternatively, a subordinate clause with 'was' (what), 'wie' (how), or 'welche' (which) can follow.
Könnten Sie Ihre Wünsche bitte genauer spezifizieren?
Could you please specify your wishes more precisely?
This verb belongs to written and technical language, especially in the fields of technology, business, and administration. It is rarely used in everyday speech.
Im Vertrag müssen wir genau spezifizieren, welche Leistungen enthalten sind.
In the contract, we need to specify exactly which services are included.
to describe
'beschreiben' and 'spezifizieren' both have to do with giving precise information. 'beschreiben' is more general: you explain in words what something is like or what happened. 'spezifizieren' is more precise and often more formal. You use it when something needs to be defined or stated clearly, for example requirements, measurements, or conditions. Learners may confuse the words because both can involve giving details. A simple rule is: 'beschreiben' explains a picture or situation; 'spezifizieren' gives precise specifications and removes ambiguity.
Vor dem Termin hat der Kunde die gewünschten Maße genau spezifiziert.
Before the appointment, the customer precisely specified the desired measurements.
Frau Wolf beschreibt den Inhalt des Buches, aber sie verrät das Ende nicht.
Ms. Wolf describes the content of the book, but she does not reveal the ending.