comparison / settlement
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comparison
The process in which two or more things, people, or situations are examined for similarities and differences.
Ein direkter Vergleich der beiden Kameras zeigt, welche die besseren Bilder macht.
A direct comparison of the two cameras shows which one takes better pictures.
'Der Vergleich' is the noun corresponding to the verb 'vergleichen' (to compare). If you know the verb, you can easily work out the meaning of the noun.
Wir sollten die beiden Angebote genau vergleichen.
We should compare the two offers carefully.
The expression 'im Vergleich zu' (compared with/to) + dative introduces a sentence or part of a sentence that puts something in relation to something else. It often comes at the beginning of the sentence, followed by a comma.
Im Vergleich zu letztem Jahr haben wir mehr Kunden.
Compared with last year, we have more customers.
Common verbs used with 'Vergleich' in this meaning are 'einen Vergleich anstellen' (to make a comparison) or 'einen Vergleich ziehen' (to draw a comparison). A well-known idiom is 'der Vergleich hinkt' (the comparison limps), which means that the comparison is not appropriate.
Der Journalist zog einen interessanten Vergleich zwischen den beiden Politikern.
The journalist drew an interesting comparison between the two politicians.
You can recognize the meaning 'juristische Einigung' (legal settlement) from the context. Words like 'Gericht' (court), 'Anwalt' (lawyer), 'Prozess' (trial), or 'Streit' (dispute) point to it. Typical verbs here are 'einen Vergleich schließen' (to reach a settlement) or 'sich auf einen Vergleich einigen' (to agree on a settlement).
Die beiden Parteien konnten sich vor Gericht auf einen Vergleich einigen.
The two parties were able to agree on a settlement in court.
picture / image
'das Bild' and 'der Vergleich' can both help make something easier to understand. In this connection, 'Bild' does not mean a photo, but a figurative expression or metaphor. A 'Vergleich' places two things directly side by side and shows what is similar or different. The words can be confused because a comparison can sometimes feel like a linguistic image. The difference is: a Bild makes something vivid, often creatively or figuratively. A Vergleich explains more through clear juxtaposition, for example 'im Vergleich zu' (compared with).
Im Vergleich zu gestern fühlt sich Tom heute viel besser.
Compared with yesterday, Tom feels much better today.
Die Lehrerin benutzt ein einfaches Bild, damit die Klasse die Idee besser versteht.
The teacher uses a simple image so that the class understands the idea better.