increase / comparison
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increase
A rise or increase in something, for example with regard to amount, intensity, value, or quality.
Das Unternehmen meldete eine Steigerung des Gewinns um 15 Prozent.
The company reported an increase in profit of 15 percent.
'Steigerung' (increase/comparison) is a noun derived from the verb 'steigern' (to increase, to intensify). The ending '-ung' turns the verb into a feminine noun that describes the process or result of the action.
Die Firma plant, die Produktion im nächsten Jahr zu steigern.
The company plans to increase production next year.
You can easily recognize the meaning from the context. If it is about numbers, business, or quantities, an increase is meant. In the context of language and grammar, it is about adjectives. In literary analysis, the rhetorical device is meant.
Wir verzeichneten eine Steigerung der Besucherzahlen.
We recorded an increase in visitor numbers.
When an increase is described with numbers, fixed prepositions are used. 'Eine Steigerung um' (an increase of/by) names the difference, while 'eine Steigerung von ... auf ...' (an increase from ... to ...) gives the starting and ending value.
Es gab eine Steigerung um 20 Prozent.
There was an increase of 20 percent.
In an economic context, 'Steigerung' (increase) is often combined with verbs such as 'verzeichnen' (to record), 'erzielen' (to achieve), or 'melden' (to report). Typical adjectives are 'deutliche' (significant), 'enorme' (enormous), or 'leichte' (slight) Steigerung.
Das Unternehmen konnte eine deutliche Steigerung des Umsatzes verzeichnen.
The company was able to record a significant increase in revenue.
growth
'das Wachstum' and 'die Steigerung' can both mean that something becomes more or better. 'Wachstum' sounds more like a development that happens by itself or over a longer period of time, for example in the economy or in an organization. 'Steigerung' more strongly emphasizes that a value, a performance level, or a quality is being increased. Often there is also a sense that someone is actively working on it. The words can be confused because both describe a positive upward change. When it is about a process, 'Wachstum' fits better; when it is about a targeted increase, 'Steigerung' fits better.
Durch regelmäßiges Training erreicht die Fahrerin eine deutliche Steigerung ihrer Leistung.
Through regular training, the driver achieves a clear increase in her performance.
Viele neue Kunden haben zum Wachstum des Geschäfts beigetragen.
Many new customers have contributed to the growth of the business.