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.
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 increase
'erhöhen' and 'verringern' are opposites when it comes to quantity, size, strength, or value. 'erhöhen' means to make something more or stronger. 'verringern' means to make something less or smaller. Both words can be used actively: someone increases the number of employees or reduces the costs. They can also describe changes that happen by themselves: a risk increases or decreases.
Mit kürzeren Wegen verringert das Team die Wartezeit für die Kunden.
By using shorter routes, the team reduces the waiting time for customers.
Mehr Busse am Abend erhöhen die Sicherheit für die Fahrgäste.
More buses in the evening increase safety for passengers.