enlargement
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enlargement
The process or result of making something larger in its dimensions or scale. This can refer to images, texts, or also abstract things such as influence.
Die Vergrößerung des Fotos zeigte viele Details, die vorher nicht sichtbar waren.
The enlargement of the photo showed many details that had not been visible before.
The noun 'Vergrößerung' (enlargement) is derived from the verb 'vergrößern' (to enlarge), which means 'größer machen' (to make bigger). The ending '-ung' turns it into a feminine noun.
Wir müssen das Bild vergrößern, um die Details zu erkennen.
We need to enlarge the image in order to see the details.
The spelling 'Vergrösserung' with 'ss' is common in Switzerland and Liechtenstein. In Germany and Austria, the word is written 'Vergrößerung' with 'ß'.
Für meine Bewerbung in Zürich brauche ich eine Passfoto-Vergrösserung.
For my application in Zurich, I need an enlargement of a passport photo.
You can recognize the meaning from the context: if it is about a process or an abstract increase, e.g. of problems, the first meaning is meant. If it is about a countable object, often a photo, the second meaning is meant.
Die Vergrößerung der Gefahr durch den Sturm wurde unterschätzt.
The enlargement of the danger caused by the storm was underestimated.
When an enlarged copy is meant, the word is often used with verbs such as 'anfertigen' (to produce), 'bestellen' (to order), or 'machen lassen' (to have made).
Ich habe online eine Vergrößerung von meinem Lieblingsfoto bestellt.
I ordered an enlargement of my favorite photo online.
expansion / extension
'die Erweiterung' and 'die Vergrößerung' both have to do with making something bigger. 'Vergrößerung' often means that something becomes larger in size or scale, for example an image, a text, or a photo. It can also be the enlarged result itself. 'Erweiterung' more often means that something gets more scope, more content, or an additional part, for example a house, a program, or an offer. They can be confused because both express a change toward 'more'. For visible size, 'Vergrößerung' often fits; for additional parts or more content, 'Erweiterung' is usually better.
Die Vergrößerung des Fotos hängt jetzt im Wohnzimmer.
The enlargement of the photo is now hanging in the living room.
Für die Schule ist eine Erweiterung der Bibliothek geplant.
An expansion of the library is planned for the school.