01
verdoppeln
to double
To increase something in its amount, number, or size to twice as much.
example
Das Unternehmen konnte seinen Gewinn im letzten Quartal verdoppeln.
The company was able to double its profit in the last quarter.
verdoppeln
to double
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
The verb 'verdoppeln' (to double) is made up of the prefix 'ver-' and the word stem 'doppel' (from 'doppelt', meaning double). The prefix 'ver-' often describes a process or change here, so the process of making something double.
EXAMPLE
Durch die neue Werbekampagne wollen wir die Verkaufszahlen verdoppeln.
With the new advertising campaign, we want to double sales figures.
Active vs. reflexive
You can use 'verdoppeln' actively with an accusative object when someone or something doubles an amount. You can also use it reflexively when an amount grows by itself.
EXAMPLE
Der Bäcker hat die Produktion von Brot verdoppelt. (aktiv)
The baker doubled the production of bread. (active)
Typical collocations
'Verdoppeln' is often used in economic or statistical contexts. Typical nouns are 'den Gewinn' (the profit), 'den Umsatz' (the revenue), 'den Einsatz' (the stake), 'die Zahl' (the number), or 'die Menge' (the amount).
EXAMPLE
Wenn du beim Kartenspiel gewinnst, kannst du deinen Einsatz verdoppeln.
If you win at the card game, you can double your stake.
Compare with
verdoppeln vs steigen
to rise / climb
'steigen' and 'verdoppeln' both have to do with an increase. 'steigen' is general: something becomes more, but you do not automatically know how much more. 'verdoppeln' is more precise and means that something becomes twice as large, twice as much, or twice as numerous. That is why a number can rise without doubling. Use 'verdoppeln' only when the increase is exactly or approximately to double the amount.
verdoppeln
Innerhalb eines Jahres hat sich die Zahl der Mitglieder verdoppelt.
Within a year, the number of members doubled.
steigen
Die Zahl der Anmeldungen steigt kurz vor Kursbeginn.
The number of registrations rises shortly before the course begins.
In real life
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