verkleinern
to reduce
To reduce something in its dimensions or size; to make it smaller.
EXAMPLE
Ich muss das Foto verkleinern, damit ich es per E-Mail senden kann.
I need to reduce the size of the photo so I can send it by email.
verkleinern
to reduce / downsize
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Meanings
sich verkleinern
to downsize
To reduce one's living space, the scope of a business, or personal possessions, often for practical or financial reasons.
EXAMPLE
Nachdem die Kinder ausgezogen waren, haben sich meine Eltern räumlich verkleinert.
After the children had moved out, my parents downsized to a smaller place.
Usage tips
Word structure
The verb 'verkleinern' (to reduce/make smaller) is derived from the adjective 'klein' (small). The prefix 'ver-' and the comparative form 'kleiner' (smaller) are contained in it, which literally means 'to make smaller.'
EXAMPLE
Könntest du bitte die Schriftgröße im Dokument etwas verkleinern?
Could you please reduce the font size in the document a little?
Typical collocations
In digital contexts, 'verkleinern' (to reduce) is often used for 'ein Bild' (an image), 'eine Datei' (a file), or 'ein Fenster' (a window) on a computer. More generally, you can also reduce 'eine Portion' (a portion) or 'eine Gruppe' (a group).
EXAMPLE
Um Speicherplatz zu sparen, sollten Sie die Bilder vor dem Hochladen verkleinern.
To save storage space, you should reduce the size of the images before uploading them.
Reflexive use
The reflexive form 'sich verkleinern' (to downsize) has a special meaning. It describes someone deliberately moving into a smaller apartment ('sich räumlich verkleinern' — to downsize one's living space) or a company reducing its size ('sich personell verkleinern' — to reduce staff).
EXAMPLE
Die Firma musste sich letztes Jahr leider personell verkleinern.
Unfortunately, the company had to reduce staff last year.
Compare with
verkleinern vs reduzieren
to reduce
For images, „verkleinern“ directly refers to making the entire image smaller. „Reduzieren“ is usually used to name the specific property that is to become smaller, such as the size, resolution, or scope. „Verkleinern“ therefore fits the object, while „reduzieren“ fits the measurable characteristic.
verkleinern
Für den Versand verkleinern wir das Bild auf eine Breite von 1200 Pixeln.
For shipping, we are reducing the image to a width of 1,200 pixels.
reduzieren
Für den Versand reduzieren wir die Auflösung des Bildes auf 1200 Pixel.
For shipping, we are reducing the image resolution to 1,200 pixels.
In real life
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