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.
settlement
A legal agreement between two disputing parties, often in court, to end a legal dispute without a judgment.
Die Anwälte rieten ihrem Mandanten, einem Vergleich zuzustimmen.
The lawyers advised their client to agree to a settlement.
compared with
A fixed expression used to put something in relation to something else; compared with.
Im Vergleich zum Vorjahr sind die Umsätze deutlich gestiegen.
Compared with the previous year, sales have increased significantly.
'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.
agreement
Both words can refer to an arrangement between parties. A Vergleich (settlement), however, specifically means the legal agreement between disputing parties to end a legal dispute, while a Vereinbarung (agreement) generally sets out conditions. Vergleich fits an ongoing legal dispute, while Vereinbarung is used for other arrangements.
Die Parteien schlossen vor Gericht einen Vergleich, um den Rechtsstreit ohne Urteil zu beenden.
The parties reached a settlement in court to end the legal dispute without a judgment.
Die Parteien trafen eine Vereinbarung über die Aufgaben und Fristen des gemeinsamen Projekts.
The parties made an agreement about the tasks and deadlines for the joint project.
