to reduce
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to reduce
To reduce something in its quantity, size, intensity, or value, or to make it smaller.
Die Firma muss ihre Kosten verringern, um wettbewerbsfähig zu bleiben.
The company has to reduce its costs in order to remain competitive.
to decrease
To become smaller, fewer, or lower by itself.
Die Zahl der Teilnehmer hat sich aufgrund des schlechten Wetters verringert.
The number of participants has decreased because of the bad weather.
The verb 'verringern' (to reduce) is derived from the adjective 'gering' (small, low). The prefix 'ver-' expresses a change here, so the process of 'making something lower/smaller'.
Können Sie bitte die Lautstärke des Radios etwas verringern?
Could you please reduce the volume of the radio a little?
'Verringern' (to reduce) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'ver-' remains firmly attached to the verb in all sentence forms.
Ich hoffe, dass sich der Lärm bald verringert.
I hope the noise decreases soon.
This verb can be used transitively with an accusative object when a person or thing actively reduces something. It can also be used reflexively ('sich verringern' — to decrease) when something becomes less by itself.
Der Läufer verringerte sein Tempo.
The runner reduced his pace.
When 'verringern' (to reduce) is used actively, it often refers to abstract things. Common combinations are: 'das Risiko verringern' (to reduce the risk), 'die Kosten verringern' (to reduce costs), 'den Stress verringern' (to reduce stress), or 'die Geschwindigkeit verringern' (to reduce speed).
Durch Sport kann man das Risiko für Herzkrankheiten verringern.
Through exercise, you can reduce the risk of heart disease.
to reduce
Reduzieren and verringern are often interchangeable with measurable quantities. Reduzieren often suggests deliberately lowering something to a lower level, whereas verringern generally expresses making something smaller or less. The specific context usually determines which choice sounds more natural.
Das Unternehmen will den Energieverbrauch durch neue Geräte deutlich verringern.
The company wants to significantly reduce its energy consumption by using new equipment.
Das Unternehmen will den Energieverbrauch gezielt auf 8000 Kilowattstunden reduzieren.
The company wants to deliberately reduce its energy consumption to 8,000 kilowatt-hours.
