tightening / intensification
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tightening / intensification
Making something stricter, harsher, or more intense, for example laws, checks, or a conflict.
Die Regierung kündigte eine Verschärfung der Sicherheitsmaßnahmen am Flughafen an.
The government announced a tightening of security measures at the airport.
The word is derived from the adjective 'scharf' (sharp/strict). The verb 'verschärfen' means to make something 'schärfer' (sharper) in the sense of stricter or more intense. 'Die Verschärfung' is the process or result of that.
Die Kritik an seiner Arbeit hat sich zuletzt verschärft.
The criticism of his work has intensified recently.
'Verschärfung' is a formal word used mainly in written language, in the news, political debates, and official documents.
In den Nachrichten wurde über eine Verschärfung der Einreiseregeln berichtet.
The news reported on a tightening of the entry rules.
This noun is very often used in fixed combinations. Typical examples are 'die Verschärfung der Gesetze' (the tightening of the laws), 'der Kontrollen' (of the checks), 'der Maßnahmen' (of the measures), or 'eines Konflikts' (of a conflict).
Eine Verschärfung der Lage muss unbedingt vermieden werden.
An intensification of the situation must absolutely be avoided.
The thing that is being tightened or intensified usually comes directly after the noun in the genitive. This structure is very typical in formal texts.
Die Verschärfung der Sicherheitsvorkehrungen war eine Reaktion auf den Vorfall.
The tightening of the safety precautions was a reaction to the incident.
reinforcement
Verstärkung and Verschärfung can both express an increase in checks. Verstärkung emphasizes greater strength or scope, while Verschärfung emphasizes stricter requirements or a harsher approach. More checks are a Verstärkung; stricter checks are a Verschärfung.
Die Verschärfung der Kontrollen führt dazu, dass nun strengere Nachweise verlangt werden.
The tightening of checks means that stricter documentation is now required.
Die Verstärkung der Kontrollen führt dazu, dass nun mehr Reisende geprüft werden.
The reinforcement of checks means that more travelers are now being checked.
