to increase
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to increase
To raise or enlarge something in amount, value, degree, or intensity.
Das Unternehmen konnte seinen Umsatz im letzten Quartal deutlich steigern.
The company was able to significantly increase its revenue in the last quarter.
to intensify
To increase in intensity or escalate.
Seine Nervosität steigerte sich, je näher die Prüfung rückte.
His nervousness intensified the closer the exam came.
to improve
To improve one's own performance or ability.
Nach einem schwachen Start konnte sich die Mannschaft in der zweiten Halbzeit steigern.
After a weak start, the team was able to improve in the second half.
to compare
In grammar, to form the comparative and superlative forms of an adjective or adverb.
Man steigert das Adjektiv 'schnell' zu 'schneller' und 'am schnellsten'.
The adjective 'schnell' is compared as 'schneller' and 'am schnellsten'.
to bid
To bid at an auction in order to buy something.
Er hat bei der Versteigerung bis 1000 Euro für das alte Fahrrad gesteigert.
At the auction, he bid up to 1,000 euros for the old bicycle.
'Steigern' (to increase) is related to 'steigen' (to rise, climb). While 'steigen' often describes a movement that happens by itself, 'steigern' usually means to actively increase something.
Die Preise steigen. Die Firma steigert die Preise.
The prices are rising. The company is increasing the prices.
You have to distinguish between the reflexive and the transitive use. 'Etwas steigern' (to increase something, with an accusative object) means that you actively increase something. 'Sich steigern' means that something becomes more intense by itself or that a person improves their performance.
Wir müssen unser Tempo steigern.
We have to increase our pace.
In business, 'steigern' (to increase) is often combined with words such as 'Umsatz' (revenue), 'Gewinn' (profit), 'Produktion' (production), or 'Effizienz' (efficiency).
Das Ziel ist, die Produktion um zehn Prozent zu steigern.
The goal is to increase production by ten percent.
In the context of language and grammar, 'steigern' has a very specific meaning: to form the degrees of comparison of an adjective or adverb.
Kannst du bitte das Adjektiv „gut“ für mich steigern?
Can you please compare the adjective 'gut' for me?
When an auction or sale by auction is being discussed, 'steigern' means that you place a bid on an object. The preposition 'auf' (+ accusative) is often used.
Viele Leute steigerten auf das berühmte Gemälde.
Many people bid on the famous painting.
to offer / to bid
At an auction, bieten means naming a specific price as a bid. Steigern refers to bidding against others for the item and emphasizes additional, higher bids. Use bieten for a single bid; use steigern for continuing to bid against others.
Bei derselben Versteigerung steigert Tom mit, bis der Preis 250 Euro erreicht.
At the same auction, Tom kept bidding until the price reached 250 euros.
Bei der Versteigerung bietet Lea 200 Euro für die alte Uhr.
Lea bid 200 euros for the old watch at the auction.
