01
vergrössern
to enlarge
To make something larger in its dimensions, number, or scope.
example
Wir planen, das Haus nächstes Jahr zu vergrössern.
We are planning to enlarge the house next year.
vergrössern
to enlarge
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Verb structure
This verb is derived from the adjective 'groß' (big). The prefix 'ver-' expresses a change here. 'Vergrößern' (to enlarge) therefore literally means to make something 'big' or to cause it to become bigger.
EXAMPLE
Können Sie die Schrift auf dem Bildschirm bitte etwas vergrößern?
Could you please enlarge the text on the screen a little?
Inseparable verb
The prefix 'ver-' is inseparable. It remains firmly attached to the verb stem in all tenses and sentence constructions.
EXAMPLE
Er vergrößert seine Fotosammlung ständig.
He is constantly enlarging his photo collection.
Transitive vs. reflexive
The verb can be used transitively with an accusative object when someone or something makes a thing larger. It is used reflexively ('sich vergrößern' — to increase/grow) when something becomes larger by itself.
EXAMPLE
Wir vergrößern unser Wohnzimmer.
We are enlarging our living room.
Regional spelling
The spelling 'vergrössern' with 'ss' is common in Switzerland and Liechtenstein. In Germany and Austria, the official spelling is 'vergrößern' with 'ß'. Pronunciation and meaning are identical.
EXAMPLE
In der Schweiz würde man schreiben: Die Gemeinde will die Schule vergrössern.
In Switzerland, one would write: The municipality wants to enlarge the school.
Typical collocations
Besides concrete things, 'vergrößern' (to enlarge/increase) is also often used with abstract nouns. Common combinations are 'den Wortschatz vergrößern' (to expand one's vocabulary), 'den Einfluss vergrößern' (to increase one's influence), or 'das Wissen vergrößern' (to increase one's knowledge).
EXAMPLE
Durch Reisen kann man seinen Horizont vergrößern.
Through travel, you can broaden your horizons.
Context: photography
When the verb is used together with words like 'Foto' (photo), 'Bild' (picture/image), 'Abzug' (print), or a format such as 'A4', it refers to the technical meaning of enlarging an image.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe ein altes Schwarz-Weiß-Foto von meinen Großeltern vergrößern lassen.
I had an old black-and-white photo of my grandparents enlarged.
Compare with
vergrössern vs entwickeln
to develop
'entwickeln' and 'vergrössern' can both describe a change. The difference lies in the goal of the change. 'entwickeln' is used when something new is created or when something changes over time and becomes better, more mature, or more complex. 'vergrössern' only means that something becomes larger or is made larger, for example a room, a team, or a number. Learners may confuse the words because growth is sometimes part of development. But not every development is an enlargement, and not every enlargement is a development.
vergrössern
Wir haben das Büro vergrössert, weil zwei neue Kollegen gekommen sind.
We enlarged the office because two new colleagues joined us.
entwickeln
Das Team entwickelt eine neue App für den Einkauf im Internet.
The team is developing a new app for shopping online.
In real life
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