01
vereinfachen
to simplify
To make something simpler, less complicated, or less complex.
example
Können Sie den Prozess bitte vereinfachen, damit ihn jeder versteht?
Could you please simplify the process so that everyone understands it?
vereinfachen
to simplify
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
The word is made up of the prefix 'ver-' and the adjective 'einfach' (simple). Here, the prefix 'ver-' turns the adjective into a verb and describes the process of making something simple.
EXAMPLE
Wir müssen die Regeln vereinfachen.
We need to simplify the rules.
Inseparable verb
The prefix 'ver-' is inseparable. This means it remains firmly attached to the verb in all sentence forms and tenses and is not placed at the end of the sentence.
EXAMPLE
Die neue App vereinfacht die Buchung von Tickets.
The new app simplifies booking tickets.
Transitive vs. reflexive
The verb can be used transitively or reflexively. When a person or thing actively makes something simpler, you use 'etwas vereinfachen' (to simplify something). When a process becomes simpler by itself, you use 'sich vereinfachen' (to become simpler).
EXAMPLE
Der Lehrer vereinfacht die komplizierte Erklärung.
The teacher simplifies the complicated explanation.
Typical collocations
'Vereinfachen' (to simplify) is often used with abstract concepts. Typical combinations are: 'einen Prozess vereinfachen' (to simplify a process), 'eine Aufgabe vereinfachen' (to simplify a task), 'das Leben vereinfachen' (to simplify life), or 'einen Text vereinfachen' (to simplify a text).
EXAMPLE
Können wir den Arbeitsablauf irgendwie vereinfachen?
Can we simplify the workflow somehow?
Compare with
vereinfachen vs reduzieren
to reduce
'reduzieren' and 'vereinfachen' can overlap when you want to make something easier to handle. The difference lies in the focus: 'reduzieren' means that the amount, scope, intensity, or value becomes smaller. 'vereinfachen' means that something becomes less complicated. The words can be confused because something often becomes simpler when you reduce it. But not every reduction makes something simpler, and not every simplification means a smaller amount. For numbers, costs, or quantity, 'reduzieren' fits; for rules, texts, processes, or explanations, 'vereinfachen' often fits.
vereinfachen
Die Lehrerin vereinfacht die Erklärung, damit alle sie verstehen.
The teacher simplifies the explanation so that everyone understands it.
reduzieren
Für die Prüfung reduziert sie die Zahl der Lernkarten auf zwanzig.
For the exam, she reduces the number of flashcards to twenty.
In real life
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