to compare
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to compare
To look at two or more things side by side in order to assess similarities, differences, or quality.
Bevor du ein Handy kaufst, solltest du die Preise und Funktionen vergleichen.
Before you buy a phone, you should compare the prices and features.
to settle
To reach an agreement in a dispute or legal conflict, often through a compromise.
Die beiden Parteien haben sich außergerichtlich auf eine Entschädigungssumme verglichen.
The two parties settled out of court on an amount of compensation.
'Vergleichen' (to compare) is an inseparable verb that comes from the word 'gleich' (same/equal). It literally means placing things side by side to see whether or how they are 'gleich' (the same/equal).
Ich habe die beiden Kleider verglichen und nehme das günstigere.
I compared the two dresses and am taking the cheaper one.
When comparing two things, you use the structure: 'etwas (accusative) mit etwas (dative) vergleichen' (to compare something with something).
Man kann Äpfel nicht mit Birnen vergleichen.
You can't compare apples with pears.
The reflexive pronoun 'sich' changes the meaning completely. 'Etwas vergleichen' (to compare something) means looking for differences, while 'sich vergleichen' (to settle) means ending a dispute through a compromise.
Wir sollten die verschiedenen Reiseangebote genau vergleichen.
We should compare the different travel offers carefully.
The reflexive form 'sich vergleichen' (to settle) is used almost exclusively in legal or business contexts for resolving a dispute. It is often followed by the preposition 'auf' to name the compromise.
Die Firma und der ehemalige Mitarbeiter verglichen sich auf eine Abfindung.
The company and the former employee settled on a severance payment.
to measure
Both words can refer to comparing performance. „Vergleichen“ is general and can neutrally assess similarities, differences, or quality; „sich messen mit“ emphasizes competition and the question of who is better or stronger. „Vergleichen“ usually fits an objective evaluation, while „sich messen“ fits a competition.
Die Trainerin verglich die Zeiten der beiden Läufer ganz sachlich.
The coach compared the two runners’ times objectively.
Beim Wettkampf maßen sich die beiden Läufer über zehn Kilometer.
The two runners competed against each other over ten kilometers.
