01
verkürzt
shortened
Made shorter than usual in length or duration.
example
Wegen des Feiertags haben wir eine verkürzte Arbeitswoche.
Because of the public holiday, we have a shortened workweek.
verkürzt
shortened
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 03
Usage tips
Word structure
'Verkürzt' (shortened) is the past participle of the verb 'verkürzen' (to shorten). It is derived from the adjective 'kurz' (short). The prefix 'ver-' here describes the process of making something shorter.
EXAMPLE
Der Chef hat die Mittagspause verkürzt.
The boss shortened the lunch break.
Use as an adjective
As a past participle, 'verkürzt' can stand before a noun like a normal adjective or be used with verbs like 'sein' (to be) or 'wirken' (to seem).
EXAMPLE
Wir lesen heute eine verkürzte Version des Romans.
Today we're reading a shortened version of the novel.
Typical collocations
In relation to time, 'verkürzt' is often combined with terms like 'Arbeitszeit' (working hours), 'Frist' (deadline), 'Öffnungszeiten' (opening hours), or 'Wartezeit' (waiting time).
EXAMPLE
Viele Geschäfte haben über die Feiertage verkürzte Öffnungszeiten.
Many shops have shortened opening hours over the holidays.
Context clue
When it is about information or presentations, 'verkürzt' often has a slightly negative meaning. It implies that the presentation is too simple and that important details are missing.
EXAMPLE
Die Nachrichten geben oft nur eine verkürzte Darstellung der Fakten wieder.
The news often gives only an oversimplified account of the facts.
Medical context
This meaning is used almost exclusively in a medical or sports context. People speak of 'verkürzten Muskeln' (tightened/shortened muscles), 'Sehnen' (tendons), or 'Bändern' (ligaments).
EXAMPLE
Regelmäßiges Dehnen hilft gegen verkürzte Muskeln im Rücken.
Regular stretching helps against tight muscles in the back.
Compare with
verkürzt vs kurz
short / brief
'kurz' and 'verkürzt' can both express that something is not long. 'kurz' simply describes a short length or duration. It can also mean that an explanation is brief and clear. 'verkürzt', on the other hand, says that something has been made shorter than normal or that important parts are missing. That is why 'verkürzt' often sounds like a change has been made or like an incomplete presentation. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with shortness. If something is not long from the start, 'kurz' usually fits. If something has been shortened or is not complete, 'verkürzt' fits.
verkürzt
Der Bericht war verkürzt und ließ wichtige Informationen weg.
The report was shortened and left out important information.
kurz
Anton schreibt eine kurze Nachricht, weil er gleich in die Besprechung muss.
Anton writes a short message because he has to go into the meeting right away.
In real life
Loading video examples...