01
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
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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
'reduzieren' and 'verkleinern' both mean that something becomes less or smaller. However, 'reduzieren' fits especially with amounts, costs, prices, risks, or intensity. 'verkleinern' is used more when it is about visible size or dimensions, for example with an image, a room, or a file. Learners may confuse the words because 'verkleinern' can sometimes seem like 'reduzieren'. As a simple guide: numbers, quantity, or intensity are 'reduziert'; things with a size are 'verkleinert'.
verkleinern
Kannst du das Foto verkleinern, damit ich es per E-Mail schicken kann?
Can you reduce the size of the photo so I can send it by email?
reduzieren
Wegen der hohen Kosten reduziert die Firma die Zahl der Dienstreisen.
Because of the high costs, the company is reducing the number of business trips.
In real life
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