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B1 noun #6,000 le plus courant 12 min de lecture

die Anpassung

Top 6,000

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces die Anpassung en 30 secondes

Explication die Anpassung in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use the word 'Anpassung' very often, but you will definitely use its root verb 'anpassen' or the simple word 'passen'. For example, you might say 'Die Hose passt mir' (The pants fit me). At this stage, think of 'Anpassung' as the big noun for 'making things fit'. Imagine you are putting on a jacket and you need to pull the strings to make it fit your body. That small action is a form of 'Anpassung'. In very simple German, we can say: 'Ich mache es passend'. You might see this word on a website when you want to change the language or the colors. It means 'making it the way you like it'. Don't worry about the long word yet; just remember that it comes from 'passen' (to fit) and always has the article 'die' because it ends in '-ung'. Focus on the idea of things fitting together like puzzle pieces. If you go to a shop and they change the length of your sleeves, that is an 'Anpassung'. It is a useful word to recognize even if you don't say it yet. Just think: 'Anpassung = making it fit'.

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At the A2 level, you can start using 'die Anpassung' in simple sentences about your daily life and work. You might use it when talking about your schedule or your phone settings. For example, 'Ich brauche eine Anpassung von meinem Plan' (I need an adjustment of my plan). You are learning that German likes long nouns, and 'Anpassung' is one of them. You can use it to describe how you change your behavior in a new place. 'Die Anpassung an das neue Büro war einfach' (The adjustment to the new office was easy). At this level, you should notice that the word often goes with the preposition 'an'. You are adapting *to* something. You might also see it in the plural form 'Anpassungen' when a teacher makes small changes to a lesson. Remember, 'die Anpassung' is feminine. You can also start recognizing compound words like 'Preisanpassung' in news or letters. If a cafe changes its prices, they might call it a 'Preisanpassung'. It is a polite way to say things are changing. Try to use it when you talk about small changes you make to your routine or your environment. It makes your German sound more organized and clear.

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At the B1 level, 'die Anpassung' becomes a key vocabulary word for discussing more complex topics like the environment, society, and professional life. You should be able to use it with the correct preposition 'an' and the accusative case. For example, 'Die Anpassung an den Klimawandel ist eine große Aufgabe' (Adaptation to climate change is a big task). You can use it to talk about your own experiences moving to a German-speaking country: 'Die soziale Anpassung dauert oft länger als man denkt' (Social adaptation often takes longer than one thinks). At this level, you should also be familiar with related words like 'anpassungsfähig' (adaptable). You can use this to describe yourself in a job interview: 'Ich bin sehr anpassungsfähig und lerne schnell' (I am very adaptable and learn quickly). You will encounter 'die Anpassung' in many formal contexts, such as 'Vertragsanpassung' (contract adjustment) or 'Gehaltsanpassung' (salary adjustment). It is a versatile word that helps you describe the process of change with more precision than just using 'Änderung'. You should also start to understand the nuance that 'Anpassung' implies a goal—to fit in or to function better—whereas other words for change might be more neutral. Practice using it in your writing to describe how you deal with new situations or how technology changes our lives.

At the B2 level, you are expected to use 'die Anpassung' with grammatical precision and in a variety of abstract contexts. You should be comfortable using it in the genitive case, such as 'Die Notwendigkeit der Anpassung an neue Technologien' (The necessity of adapting to new technologies). You can discuss the pros and cons of 'gesellschaftliche Anpassung' (societal conformity/adaptation) and whether it leads to a loss of individuality. In professional and academic discussions, you will use it to describe systemic changes. For example, 'Die Anpassung der Produktionsprozesse führte zu einer höheren Effizienz' (The adjustment of production processes led to higher efficiency). You should also be aware of more specific synonyms like 'Justierung' or 'Angleichung' and know when to use 'Anpassung' instead. At B2, you should be able to follow complex news reports about 'Strukturanpassungen' (structural adjustments) in the economy. The word 'Anpassungsfähigkeit' should be a standard part of your vocabulary when discussing biology or business strategy. You understand that 'Anpassung' is not just a simple change, but a strategic alignment. You can use it to describe how a text is adapted for a different audience or how a law is adjusted to meet new ethical standards. Your usage should show that you understand the word's role in describing dynamic processes of evolution and optimization.

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At the C1 level, your use of 'die Anpassung' should be nuanced and sophisticated. You can use it to discuss complex philosophical or scientific concepts, such as 'die evolutionäre Anpassung' or 'die psychologische Akkommodation'. You understand the subtle difference between 'Anpassung' (fitting into a framework) and 'Widerstand' (resistance) within a sociological context. You can use the word in high-level academic writing, perhaps discussing 'die Anpassung von Algorithmen in der künstlichen Intelligenz' (the adaptation of algorithms in AI). You are also familiar with idiomatic uses and can identify when the word is being used euphemistically, such as when a company speaks of 'Personalanpassungen' to mean layoffs. Your vocabulary includes related terms like 'Anpassungsdruck' (pressure to conform) and 'Anpassungsschwierigkeiten' (difficulties in adjusting). You can argue about the limits of adaptation: 'Ab wann ist Anpassung keine Tugend mehr, sondern Selbstaufgabe?' (At what point is adaptation no longer a virtue, but self-abandonment?). You use the word to describe the fine-tuning of complex systems, from economic models to literary translations. Your command of the word allows you to use it as a tool for precise analysis of how systems, individuals, and species interact with their changing environments. You can also use it in the context of 'Klimafolgenanpassung', showing your ability to handle long, complex compound nouns typical of professional German.

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At the C2 level, 'die Anpassung' is a word you can manipulate with stylistic mastery. You understand its historical and ideological weight, especially in German history, where 'Gleichschaltung' and 'Anpassung' have specific, sometimes dark, connotations. You can use it in literary analysis to describe how a protagonist's 'Anpassung an die bürgerlichen Verhältnisse' signifies their moral decline or survival. In the realms of philosophy and science, you can discuss 'die autoplastische und alloplastische Anpassung' (changing oneself vs. changing the environment). Your usage is characterized by a deep understanding of the word's morphology and its role in creating complex semantic fields. You can effortlessly switch between technical, social, and metaphorical uses. For instance, in a speech, you might use 'die Anpassung' to describe the resilience of a culture: 'Die Geschichte unseres Volkes ist eine Geschichte der ständigen Anpassung und Neuerfindung.' You are also aware of the very subtle distinctions between 'Anpassung', 'Assimilation', and 'Integration' in modern political discourse. You can write long, complex sentences where 'Anpassung' is modified by multiple adjectives and embedded in genitive constructions: 'Die durch die Globalisierung bedingte, unumgängliche Anpassung der nationalen Wirtschaftsstrukturen erfordert ein hohes Maß an politischem Fingerspitzengefühl.' At this level, the word is not just a vocabulary item; it is a conceptual tool that you use to describe the fundamental dynamics of life, society, and thought.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

die Anpassung en 30 secondes

The act of making something fit a specific context or environment.
Commonly used in biology, technology, sociology, and everyday life.
A feminine noun (die) that often requires the preposition 'an' plus accusative.
Synonymous with adjustment, customization, or alignment depending on the field.

The German noun die Anpassung is a multifaceted term that English speakers usually translate as adaptation, adjustment, or customization. At its core, it describes the process of changing something so that it fits a new situation, a different environment, or a specific set of requirements. The word is derived from the verb anpassen, which combines the prefix an- (meaning toward or at) with passen (to fit). Therefore, die Anpassung literally suggests the act of 'fitting toward' something. This concept is pervasive in German life, appearing in biological discussions about evolution, technical manuals regarding software settings, and sociological debates about immigration and integration. In a biological context, die Anpassung refers to the way organisms evolve traits to survive in their habitats, such as the thick fur of a polar bear. In the world of technology, you will often see this word in menus where it refers to 'customization' or 'settings adjustment.' For example, when you change the brightness on your phone, you are performing a small Anpassung. In social contexts, it describes how an individual aligns their behavior with the norms of a group. This can be positive, such as learning local customs when moving to a new country, or neutral, such as adjusting your schedule to match a partner's.

Biological Context: In biology, the term describes the evolutionary process where a species becomes better suited to its environment over generations. This is a fundamental concept in Darwinian theory.
Technical Context: In engineering and IT, it refers to the modification of hardware or software to meet specific user needs or system requirements, often translated as 'customization'.
Social Context: Sociologically, it refers to the process by which individuals or groups change their behavior to fit into a social environment or society, often discussed in the context of migration.

Die biologische Anpassung der Tiere an die Kälte ist faszinierend.

Eine schnelle Anpassung an neue Marktbedingungen ist für Firmen lebensnotwendig.

Die Anpassung der Software dauert nur wenige Minuten.

Ohne Anpassung gibt es keinen Fortschritt in der Gesellschaft.

Wir brauchen eine Anpassung der Preise aufgrund der Inflation.

Understanding 'die Anpassung' requires recognizing that it is not just a passive change, but often a purposeful alignment. Whether it is the climate, a new job, or a set of lenses, 'Anpassung' is the key word for the result of that transition. It is a feminine noun, which means it always takes the article 'die' in the nominative case. Its usage spans from the very formal (political adjustments) to the very practical (adjusting a seat in a car). In modern German, you will also encounter it in the context of 'Klimaanpassung' (climate adaptation), a major topic in current political and environmental discourse. This demonstrates how the word evolves with the times, moving from purely physical descriptions to complex systemic changes. To use it correctly, remember that it often requires the preposition 'an' followed by the accusative case: 'Die Anpassung an die Situation' (The adaptation to the situation). This grammatical structure is vital for B1 learners to master.

Using die Anpassung correctly in sentences involves more than just knowing its definition; it requires an understanding of its grammatical dependencies and typical contexts. As a feminine noun, it follows standard declension patterns. The most common construction involves the preposition an (to/at), which triggers the accusative case for the object of the adaptation. For instance, 'Die Anpassung an das neue Klima' (The adaptation to the new climate). Here, 'das neue Klima' is in the accusative because it represents the target toward which the adjustment is made. If you are discussing the process itself without a specific target, you might say, 'Die Anpassung verlief reibungslos' (The adjustment went smoothly). In professional settings, you might hear about 'Preisanpassungen' (price adjustments). Notice how German often creates compound nouns using Anpassung as the suffix. This is a very efficient way to specify what is being adjusted. Other examples include 'Lohnanpassung' (wage adjustment) or 'Farbanpassung' (color matching/adjustment). When writing, you can use verbs like erfordern (to require), vornehmen (to carry out), or erleichtern (to facilitate) alongside die Anpassung.

With 'erfordern': Der Umzug in ein anderes Land erfordert eine große Anpassung. (Moving to another country requires a major adjustment.)
With 'vornehmen': Wir müssen eine Anpassung der Einstellungen vornehmen. (We need to make an adjustment to the settings.)
With 'erleichtern': Gute Sprachkenntnisse erleichtern die Anpassung an die neue Kultur. (Good language skills facilitate adaptation to the new culture.)

Die Anpassung der Brille ist notwendig für scharfes Sehen.

Nach der Anpassung der Strategie stiegen die Verkaufszahlen.

Eine ständige Anpassung ist in der IT-Branche üblich.

Die Anpassung an die neuen Regeln fiel ihm schwer.

Es gibt keine perfekte Anpassung ohne Kompromisse.

In more advanced usage, die Anpassung can be used metaphorically. For example, 'soziale Anpassung' can refer to conformity. In a sentence like 'Er weigerte sich, eine blinde Anpassung an die Masse vorzunehmen,' it implies a refusal to blindly conform to the masses. This shows that the word can carry a slightly negative connotation of 'losing one's individuality' if used in certain social contexts. However, in technical and environmental contexts, it is almost always neutral or positive, signifying efficiency and survival. When you are describing a change in software, you might say 'Die Anpassung der Benutzeroberfläche' (The customization of the user interface). In this case, the genitive case 'der Benutzeroberfläche' is used to show what is being adjusted. Mastering these different grammatical structures—using 'an' + accusative or using the genitive case—will significantly elevate your German from basic to intermediate (B1/B2) levels. Practice by thinking of things you have adjusted recently: your sleep schedule, your bicycle seat, or your expectations. Each of these is an 'Anpassung'.

You will encounter die Anpassung in a wide variety of everyday and specialized environments in German-speaking countries. One of the most common places is in the news, particularly concerning the environment and the economy. In weather reports or documentaries about climate change, the term 'Klimaanpassung' is ubiquitous, referring to how cities and agriculture must adjust to rising temperatures. In the business world, you will see it in official letters from banks or utility companies. If your electricity price changes, the letter will likely be titled 'Information zur Preisanpassung' (Information regarding price adjustment). This sounds more professional and neutral than simply saying 'price increase.' In the workplace, during performance reviews, a manager might discuss your 'Anpassung an das Team' (integration/adjustment to the team). In technical fields, like IT or engineering, 'Anpassung' is the standard word for 'customization.' When you buy a new piece of software, the manual will have a section on 'Individuelle Anpassung' (individual customization). Even in healthcare, if you get a prosthetic limb or a hearing aid, the process of making it fit your body perfectly is called 'die Anpassung'.

In the Media: Journalists use it to describe societal shifts, such as 'die Anpassung des Rentenalters' (the adjustment of the retirement age).
In Administration: Government agencies use it for legal changes, like 'die Anpassung der Gesetze an EU-Richtlinien' (the adaptation of laws to EU directives).
In Education: Teachers might talk about 'die Anpassung des Lehrplans' (the adjustment of the curriculum) to meet students' needs.

Die Anpassung an die digitale Welt ist eine Herausforderung für Ältere.

Haben Sie die Anpassung der Vertragsbedingungen gelesen?

Die biologische Anpassung dauert oft Jahrtausende.

Die Anpassung der Heizung spart viel Energie.

Ohne eine ständige Anpassung verlieren wir den Anschluss.

In daily life, you might hear a friend say, 'Ich brauche noch ein bisschen Zeit zur Anpassung' after moving to a new city. This implies they are still getting used to the local rhythm, the public transport, and the overall atmosphere. In a more formal setting, like a university lecture, a professor might discuss the 'Anpassungsfähigkeit' (ability to adapt) of a certain economic system. The word is so deeply embedded in the German language because it reflects a cultural value of precision and functionality—the idea that things should be 'passend' (fitting). Whether it's a piece of clothing being tailored or a person finding their way in a new culture, the concept of 'Anpassung' is central to navigating change effectively. For a learner, hearing this word should trigger a mental image of a puzzle piece being carefully shaped to fit into a larger picture. It is a word of transition, evolution, and refinement.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when using die Anpassung is confusing it with similar but distinct words like Veränderung (change) or Änderung (modification). While every 'Anpassung' involves a 'Veränderung,' not every 'Veränderung' is an 'Anpassung.' An Anpassung is specifically a change made to achieve a fit or harmony with something else. If you just change your hair color, it's a Veränderung. If you change your clothes to fit a formal dress code, it's an Anpassung. Another common error involves the preposition. Many learners try to use 'zu' or 'für' instead of 'an.' Remember: it is always 'Anpassung an (+ Akkusativ).' Saying 'Anpassung zu der Situation' is a literal translation from English ('adaptation to the situation') that doesn't work in German. Furthermore, learners sometimes struggle with the word's gender. Because it ends in '-ung,' it is always feminine (die). This is a helpful rule: almost all German nouns ending in '-ung' are feminine.

Mistake: Using 'Veränderung' instead: Incorrect: Die Veränderung an das Klima. Correct: Die Anpassung an das Klima. (Change is too broad; adaptation is specific.)
Mistake: Wrong Preposition: Incorrect: Anpassung zu den Regeln. Correct: Anpassung an die Regeln. (Always use 'an' for the target of adaptation.)
Mistake: Confusing with 'Einigung': 'Einigung' means agreement. 'Anpassung' is the process of making things fit. They are related in negotiations but not interchangeable.

Vermeiden Sie die Verwechslung von Anpassung und bloßer Änderung.

Die Anpassung (die, -ung) ist immer weiblich.

Falsch: Anpassung für die Umgebung. Richtig: Anpassung an die Umgebung.

Eine zu starke Anpassung kann zum Verlust der Identität führen.

Benutzen Sie Anpassung nicht für rein mechanische Reparaturen.

Another nuance is the difference between Anpassung and Angleichung. Angleichung usually refers to making two things identical or very similar (leveling), whereas Anpassung is about making one thing functional or harmonious within a specific context. For example, 'Lohnangleichung' means making salaries equal across regions, while 'Lohnanpassung' means adjusting salaries (usually upwards) to match inflation. Finally, be careful with the plural. While 'Anpassungen' is correct, some learners try to pluralize it when the singular collective sense is more appropriate. In 'Die Anpassung an das Klima,' you are talking about the general process, so the singular is preferred. In 'Wir haben mehrere Anpassungen am Design vorgenommen,' you are talking about specific, countable changes, so the plural is necessary. Paying attention to these subtle distinctions will help you sound much more like a native speaker and avoid the 'translation trap' that many B1 students fall into.

In the rich landscape of German vocabulary, die Anpassung has several synonyms and related terms that carry slightly different shades of meaning. Understanding these alternatives will help you choose the most precise word for your context. A common alternative is die Akkommodation, which is primarily used in biological or psychological contexts, such as the eye's ability to focus or Piaget's theory of cognitive development. In everyday life, however, you would almost never use it. Another important word is die Justierung, which refers specifically to technical or mechanical fine-tuning. If you are adjusting a scientific instrument or a telescope, Justierung is the better choice. Then there is die Korrektur (correction), which implies that something was wrong and needed to be fixed, whereas die Anpassung implies that something is being changed to fit a new, but not necessarily 'better,' environment.

Anpassung vs. Angleichung: Anpassung is about fitting into a context (e.g., social integration). Angleichung is about making two things equal or similar (e.g., standardizing laws).
Anpassung vs. Modifikation: Modifikation is a more technical, neutral term for a change. Anpassung suggests the change has a specific purpose: to fit or survive.
Anpassung vs. Umstellung: Umstellung refers to a complete shift in a system or habit (e.g., switching to a vegan diet). Anpassung is the ongoing process of getting used to that shift.

Die Angleichung der Lebensverhältnisse ist ein politisches Ziel.

Nach der Umstellung auf Sommerzeit brauchen viele eine Anpassung.

Die Justierung der Maschine muss präzise sein.

Wir brauchen eine Modifikation des Plans, keine komplette Anpassung.

Die Abstimmung zwischen den Abteilungen ist wichtig.

For B1 learners, the most useful related word is the adjective anpassungsfähig (adaptable). Describing someone as anpassungsfähig is a high compliment in a professional setting, suggesting they can handle change well. Another useful term is die Anpassungsfähigkeit (adaptability). In the business world, you might also hear die Konfiguration when talking about IT systems, though this is a loanword from English. In summary, while die Anpassung is a very versatile 'catch-all' word, being aware of Justierung for tech, Angleichung for equality, and Umstellung for systemic shifts will make your German more nuanced and expressive. Always ask yourself: 'Am I making it fit (Anpassung), making it the same (Angleichung), or just changing the system (Umstellung)?' This mental check will guide you to the right word every time.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The word 'passen' originally meant 'to step' or 'to pace' (like a pace/step). Eventually, it came to mean 'to measure by steps' and then simply 'to fit' a measure.

Guide de prononciation

UK /ˈanˌpasʊŋ/

US /ˈɑnˌpɑsʊŋ/

Primary stress on the first syllable: AN-passung.

Rime avec

Fassung Lassung Massung Prassung Rassung Sassung Tassung Wassung

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing the 'ng' as a hard 'g' (it should be nasal).
Stressing the second syllable instead of the first.
Using a long 'a' like in 'father' (it should be short).
Mixing up the feminine article 'die' with 'der' or 'das'.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 3/5

The word itself is easy to recognize, but it often appears in complex compound words in newspapers.

Écriture 4/5

Requires knowledge of the 'an + accusative' construction and feminine noun endings.

Expression orale 3/5

Pronunciation of '-ng' can be tricky, but the word is very useful in many contexts.

Écoute 3/5

Common in news and technical instructions; usually clearly articulated.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

passen an machen neu die Änderung

Apprends ensuite

anpassungsfähig die Angleichung die Justierung die Integration der Klimawandel

Avancé

die Akkommodation die Assimilation die Homöostase die Transformation die Modifikation

Grammaire à connaître

Nouns ending in -ung are always feminine.

die Anpassung, die Heizung, die Wohnung.

Prefix 'an-' often implies direction or target.

anpassen, ansehen, ankommen.

The preposition 'an' with 'Anpassung' takes the accusative.

Anpassung an den (masc. acc.) neuen Job.

Compound nouns take the gender of the last element.

Die (feminine) + Preisanpassung (feminine).

Genitive case is used to show what is being adjusted.

Die Anpassung der (genitive feminine) Uhr.

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Exemples par niveau

Die Anpassung der Jacke ist gut.

The adjustment of the jacket is good.

'Die Anpassung' is the subject (nominative).

Ich brauche eine Anpassung.

I need an adjustment.

'Eine Anpassung' is the direct object (accusative).

Die Anpassung ist einfach.

The adjustment is easy.

Subject + verb + adjective.

Das ist eine kleine Anpassung.

That is a small adjustment.

Indefinite article 'eine' (feminine).

Die Anpassung kostet nichts.

The adjustment costs nothing.

Verb 'kosten' with the subject.

Hilf mir bei der Anpassung.

Help me with the adjustment.

'Bei' takes the dative case (der Anpassung).

Die Anpassung dauert 5 Minuten.

The adjustment takes 5 minutes.

Subject + verb + duration.

Keine Anpassung nötig.

No adjustment necessary.

Short phrase without a verb.

Die Anpassung an das neue Auto war leicht.

Adjusting to the new car was easy.

'An' + accusative (das neue Auto).

Wir machen eine Anpassung am Plan.

We are making an adjustment to the plan.

'An' + dative (am = an dem).

Die Anpassung der Uhrzeit ist wichtig.

The adjustment of the time is important.

Genitive case (der Uhrzeit).

Ich sehe keine Anpassung hier.

I see no adjustment here.

Negative article 'keine' (accusative).

Die Anpassung hilft uns sehr.

The adjustment helps us a lot.

Verb 'helfen' with the subject.

Wann ist die Anpassung fertig?

When is the adjustment finished?

Question with 'wann'.

Diese Anpassung ist neu.

This adjustment is new.

Demonstrative pronoun 'diese'.

Die Anpassung der Sitze ist bequem.

The adjustment of the seats is comfortable.

Plural 'Sitze' in genitive.

Die Anpassung an die neue Kultur braucht Zeit.

Adapting to the new culture takes time.

'An' + accusative (die neue Kultur).

Es gab eine Preisanpassung im Supermarkt.

There was a price adjustment in the supermarket.

Compound noun 'Preisanpassung'.

Die Anpassung der Software war erfolgreich.

The customization of the software was successful.

Genitive attribute 'der Software'.

Wir müssen die Anpassung sofort vornehmen.

We must make the adjustment immediately.

Modal verb 'müssen' + 'vornehmen'.

Seine Anpassung an das Team war perfekt.

His integration into the team was perfect.

Possessive pronoun 'seine'.

Die Anpassung der Regeln ist notwendig.

The adjustment of the rules is necessary.

Subject + genitive + adjective.

Tiere zeigen oft eine schnelle Anpassung.

Animals often show a rapid adaptation.

Direct object in accusative.

Ohne Anpassung kann man nicht überleben.

Without adaptation, one cannot survive.

Preposition 'ohne' + accusative.

Die Anpassung der Geschäftsstrategie war unumgänglich.

The adjustment of the business strategy was inevitable.

Adjective 'unumgänglich' (inevitable).

Eine ständige Anpassung an den Markt ist wichtig.

Constant adaptation to the market is important.

Adjective 'ständig' (constant).

Die soziale Anpassung kann schwierig sein.

Social adaptation can be difficult.

Adjective 'sozial' (social).

Die Anpassung der Lichtverhältnisse verbessert das Bild.

The adjustment of the light conditions improves the image.

Plural genitive 'der Lichtverhältnisse'.

Er leidet unter dem Druck der Anpassung.

He suffers under the pressure of conformity.

'Unter' + dative (dem Druck).

Die technische Anpassung der Anlage dauert Wochen.

The technical modification of the plant takes weeks.

Adjective 'technisch'.

Wir planen eine Anpassung der Gebühren.

We are planning an adjustment of the fees.

Verb 'planen' + direct object.

Die biologische Anpassung erfolgt über Generationen.

Biological adaptation occurs over generations.

Preposition 'über' (over/via).

Die Anpassung an die Klimafolgen ist eine globale Priorität.

Adaptation to the consequences of climate change is a global priority.

Complex compound 'Klimafolgen'.

Die Anpassung der Algorithmen erfordert Fachwissen.

The adjustment of the algorithms requires expertise.

Plural genitive 'der Algorithmen'.

Ihre Anpassungsfähigkeit ist bemerkenswert.

Her ability to adapt is remarkable.

Noun 'Anpassungsfähigkeit'.

Die Anpassung des Romans für den Film war schwierig.

The adaptation of the novel for the film was difficult.

'Für' + accusative (den Film).

Es gibt einen starken Anpassungsdruck in der Gesellschaft.

There is a strong pressure to conform in society.

Compound noun 'Anpassungsdruck'.

Die Anpassung der Zinsen beeinflusst den Markt.

The adjustment of interest rates influences the market.

Subject + verb + object.

Man kritisiert die blinde Anpassung an Autoritäten.

One criticizes blind conformity to authorities.

Adjective 'blind'.

Die Anpassung der Gesetze an die Realität ist nötig.

The adaptation of laws to reality is necessary.

'An' + accusative (die Realität).

Die autoplastische Anpassung beschreibt die Veränderung des Selbst.

Autoplastic adaptation describes the change of the self.

Technical psychological term.

Die Anpassung der Sprachnormen ist ein langsamer Prozess.

The adaptation of linguistic norms is a slow process.

Genitive plural 'Sprachnormen'.

Eine mangelnde Anpassung kann zu Isolation führen.

A lack of adaptation can lead to isolation.

Participle adjective 'mangelnd'.

Die Anpassung der Produktionskapazitäten war strategisch klug.

The adjustment of production capacities was strategically wise.

Adverb 'strategisch'.

In der Architektur ist die Anpassung an das Gelände essenziell.

In architecture, adaptation to the terrain is essential.

'An' + accusative (das Gelände).

Die Anpassung der Verfassung erfordert eine Zweidrittelmehrheit.

The amendment of the constitution requires a two-thirds majority.

Formal legal context.

Er verweigerte die Anpassung an das herrschende System.

He refused to conform to the ruling system.

Verb 'verweigern' (to refuse).

Die feingliedrige Anpassung der Instrumente ist entscheidend.

The delicate adjustment of the instruments is decisive.

Adjective 'feingliedrig' (delicate/intricate).

Synonymes

die Justierung die Angleichung die Akkommodation die Modifikation die Abstimmung die Korrektur die Umstellung die Individualisierung

Antonymes

die Unveränderlichkeit der Widerstand die Starrheit die Abweichung

Collocations courantes

eine Anpassung vornehmen

notwendige Anpassung

schnelle Anpassung

soziale Anpassung

technische Anpassung

Anpassung an das Klima

Anpassung der Preise

Anpassung der Strategie

schrittweise Anpassung

mangelnde Anpassung

Phrases Courantes

in ständiger Anpassung

— In a state of constant change to fit the environment.

Die Natur ist in ständiger Anpassung.

Fähigkeit zur Anpassung

— The talent or skill of being able to adjust.

Seine Fähigkeit zur Anpassung ist groß.

nach erfolgter Anpassung

— After the adjustment has been completed.

Nach erfolgter Anpassung läuft das System.

Bedarf an Anpassung

— The need for something to be adjusted.

Es gibt einen hohen Bedarf an Anpassung.

Prozess der Anpassung

— The ongoing time and effort spent adjusting.

Der Prozess der Anpassung dauert Monate.

Wille zur Anpassung

— The willingness to change to fit in.

Ihr Wille zur Anpassung war beeindruckend.

Grenzen der Anpassung

— The point where one can no longer change.

Wir erreichen die Grenzen der Anpassung.

Maßnahmen zur Anpassung

— Actions taken specifically to adjust something.

Wir brauchen Maßnahmen zur Anpassung.

Druck zur Anpassung

— External stress forcing one to conform.

Der Druck zur Anpassung ist in der Schule hoch.

Zeit zur Anpassung

— The duration needed to get used to something.

Geben Sie ihm Zeit zur Anpassung.

Souvent confondu avec

die Anpassung vs die Änderung

A general change. 'Anpassung' is a specific change to fit something.

die Anpassung vs die Verbesserung

An improvement. 'Anpassung' is just an adjustment, not always a 'better' version.

die Anpassung vs die Angleichung

Making things identical. 'Anpassung' is making them work together.

Expressions idiomatiques

"sich wie ein Chamäleon anpassen"

— To change oneself perfectly to fit any environment, often used for people.

Er passt sich wie ein Chamäleon an jede Firma an.

informal

"den Gürtel enger schnallen"

— To adjust to a situation with less money (financial adjustment).

Wegen der Krise müssen wir den Gürtel enger schnallen.

neutral

"mit dem Strom schwimmen"

— To conform or adapt to the majority opinion without resistance.

Er schwimmt immer mit dem Strom.

informal

"sein Fähnchen nach dem Wind hängen"

— To adapt one's opinion to whatever is currently popular (opportunistic adaptation).

Der Politiker hängt sein Fähnchen nach dem Wind.

informal

"auf der Welle reiten"

— To adapt to and profit from a current trend.

Die Firma reitet auf der Welle der Digitalisierung.

informal

"einen neuen Kurs einschlagen"

— To make a major adjustment in direction or strategy.

Die Regierung muss einen neuen Kurs einschlagen.

neutral

"sich in sein Schicksal fügen"

— To accept and adapt to a difficult situation one cannot change.

Er fügte sich schließlich in sein Schicksal.

literary

"den Ton angeben"

— To set the standard that others must adapt to.

In dieser Branche geben sie den Ton an.

neutral

"aus der Reihe tanzen"

— To refuse to adapt or conform to the group.

Sie tanzt immer aus der Reihe.

informal

"einen Mittelweg finden"

— To find a compromise or adjustment between two extremes.

Wir müssen einen Mittelweg finden.

neutral

Facile à confondre

die Anpassung vs die Änderung

Both involve making something different.

Änderung is neutral; Anpassung implies a goal or target (to fit).

Ich mache eine Änderung am Text. vs. Ich mache eine Anpassung an das Format.

die Anpassung vs die Umstellung

Both involve a transition.

Umstellung is a shift in system or habit; Anpassung is the process of fitting in.

Die Umstellung auf Winterzeit erfordert eine Anpassung des Schlafrhythmus.

die Anpassung vs die Korrektur

Both involve changing something.

Korrektur implies a mistake was fixed; Anpassung implies a new context was met.

Die Korrektur der Hausaufgaben vs. die Anpassung der Aufgaben an das Niveau.

die Anpassung vs die Justierung

Both involve fine-tuning.

Justierung is strictly technical/mechanical; Anpassung is broader.

Die Justierung der Linse vs. die Anpassung des Verhaltens.

die Anpassung vs die Angleichung

Both involve making things similar.

Angleichung is about equality/sameness; Anpassung is about functionality/harmony.

Die Angleichung der Steuern vs. die Anpassung an die Steuergesetze.

Structures de phrases

Die Anpassung ist [adjective].

Die Anpassung ist wichtig.

Ich brauche eine Anpassung an [accusative].

Ich brauche eine Anpassung an den Zeitplan.

Wir machen eine Anpassung der [genitive].

Wir machen eine Anpassung der Preise.

Die Anpassung an [accusative] erfordert [noun].

Die Anpassung an die Hitze erfordert viel Wasser.

Ohne eine [adjective] Anpassung [verb]...

Ohne eine schnelle Anpassung verlieren wir Geld.

Trotz der Anpassung an [accusative] bleibt [noun]...

Trotz der Anpassung an die neuen Regeln bleibt das Problem bestehen.

Die [adjective] Anpassung der [genitive] dient dazu, ...

Die ständige Anpassung der Algorithmen dient dazu, die Suche zu verbessern.

Inwiefern die Anpassung an [accusative] als [noun] zu werten ist, ...

Inwiefern die Anpassung an das System als Verrat zu werten ist, bleibt offen.

Famille de mots

Noms

der Anpasser (person who adapts)

die Anpassungsfähigkeit (adaptability)

die Anpassungsfortschritt (progress in adaptation)

die Anpassungsmaßnahme (adaptation measure)

die Anpassungsschwierigkeit (difficulty in adapting)

Verbes

anpassen (to adapt/adjust)

voranpassen (to pre-adjust)

nachpassen (to adjust later)

einpassen (to fit in)

zusammenpassen (to fit together)

Adjectifs

anpassbar (adjustable)

anpassungsfähig (adaptable)

unangepasst (non-conforming)

passend (fitting)

unpassend (unfitting)

Apparenté

der Pass (pass/passport)

das Passwesen (passport system)

die Passform (fit/shape)

die Passung (technical fit)

der Passagier (passenger - distant root)

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

High (Top 2000 words)

Erreurs courantes

Der Anpassung → Die Anpassung
The word is feminine because of the '-ung' ending. Using 'der' (masculine) is a common gender error.
Anpassung zu dem Klima → Anpassung an das Klima
The correct preposition is 'an' + accusative, not 'zu' + dative. This is a literal translation from English.
Ich mache eine Änderung an die Situation. → Ich mache eine Anpassung an die Situation.
While 'Änderung' is okay, 'Anpassung' is more precise when you want to say you are making something 'fit' the situation.
Die Anpassung der Preise ist teuer. → Die Preisanpassung führt zu höheren Kosten.
While not strictly wrong, 'Preisanpassung' is a much more natural-sounding compound noun in German.
Er ist sehr anpassung. → Er ist sehr anpassungsfähig.
You cannot use the noun 'Anpassung' as an adjective. You must use the adjective form 'anpassungsfähig' (adaptable).

Astuces

The -ung Rule

Always remember that nouns ending in '-ung' are feminine. This makes it easy to know that you must use 'die', 'einer', or 'keine' with 'Anpassung'.

Compound Master

German loves compounds. If you want to say 'price adjustment', just combine 'Preis' and 'Anpassung' to get 'Preisanpassung'. This works for many things!

Stress the 'An'

In German, prefixes like 'an-' are often stressed. Say 'AN-passung' to sound more native.

Preposition Practice

When writing, always check the case after 'an'. Since it's 'Anpassung an...', you need the accusative (den, die, das, die).

Business Euphemism

Be aware that in business, 'Anpassung' is often used to make a negative change (like a price increase) sound more neutral or professional.

Climate Change

If you want to talk about the environment, 'Klimaanpassung' is the word for how we change our cities to handle heat and floods.

Verb vs. Noun

If you are unsure how to use the noun, try using the verb 'anpassen' first. 'Ich passe mich an' is often easier than 'Ich mache eine Anpassung'.

The Fit Rule

Connect 'Anpassung' to the English word 'Pass'. If something 'passes' the test of fitting in, it has undergone 'Anpassung'.

Social Nuance

In social settings, use 'Integration' for positive joining and 'Anpassung' for more general or sometimes forced fitting in.

Software Settings

Look for 'Anpassung' in the settings menu of your favorite apps when you switch them to German. It's the best way to see the word in action.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

AN-PASSUNG: Think of 'AN' as 'ON' and 'PASS' as 'FIT'. You are putting something 'ON' to make it 'FIT'.

Association visuelle

Imagine a person trying to fit a square peg into a round hole by carving the edges. That carving process is 'die Anpassung'.

Word Web

anpassen passen passend Anpassungsfähigkeit Preisanpassung Klimaanpassung anpassbar unangepasst

Défi

Try to use 'die Anpassung' in three different contexts today: one about your phone, one about the weather, and one about your work schedule.

Origine du mot

Derived from the Middle High German 'passen', which comes from the Old French 'passer' (to step, pass). The prefix 'an-' is Germanic.

Sens originel : To step toward or to make something reach a certain measure or fit.

Indo-European (Germanic roots with Romance influence on the stem).

Contexte culturel

Be careful when using 'Anpassung' for people; it can sometimes imply 'losing one's personality' to fit in (conformity).

In English, we often use 'adjustment' for small things and 'adaptation' for big things. German uses 'Anpassung' for both.

Charles Darwin's 'Selection and Adaptation' (Selektion und Anpassung). Jean Piaget's theories on cognitive 'Akkommodation' and 'Anpassung'. German news headlines about 'Rentenanpassung' (pension adjustment).

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Technology

Individuelle Anpassung
Einstellungen anpassen
Softwareanpassung vornehmen
Anpassung der Anzeige

Biology

Evolutionäre Anpassung
Anpassung an den Lebensraum
Überleben durch Anpassung
Biologische Anpassungsprozesse

Business

Preisanpassung ankündigen
Gehaltsanpassung verhandeln
Anpassung der Strategie
Marktanpassung

Social Life

Soziale Anpassung
Anpassung an neue Nachbarn
Schwierige Anpassung
Zeit zur Anpassung

Law

Gesetzesanpassung
Anpassung der Verfassung
Vertragsanpassung
Anpassung an EU-Recht

Amorces de conversation

"Wie war deine Anpassung an das Leben in Deutschland?"

"Glaubst du, dass eine Preisanpassung für Benzin notwendig ist?"

"Wie wichtig ist Anpassungsfähigkeit in deinem Beruf?"

"Hast du Probleme mit der Anpassung an die Zeitumstellung?"

"Sollten wir unsere Erwartungen an die Realität anpassen?"

Sujets d'écriture

Beschreibe eine Situation, in der dir die Anpassung schwergefallen ist.

Warum ist die Anpassung an den Klimawandel für Städte so wichtig?

Inwiefern ist soziale Anpassung gut oder schlecht für die Persönlichkeit?

Welche technischen Anpassungen an deinem Computer nutzt du am häufigsten?

Wie hat sich deine Anpassung an die deutsche Sprache im letzten Jahr entwickelt?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Not necessarily. While often positive in technical or biological contexts (survival, efficiency), in social contexts, it can imply 'blind conformity' or losing one's identity. Context is key.

'Anpassen' is the verb (to adapt/adjust), and 'Anpassung' is the noun (adaptation/adjustment). You use the noun when talking about the process or the result as a concept.

Yes, but usually we use 'Änderung' for simple repairs and 'Anpassung' if the clothes are being specifically fitted to your body shape (like a tailor would do).

Use 'an' followed by the accusative case. For example: 'Anpassung an die neue Umgebung'.

Very common. You will hear it in 'Preisanpassung' (price change), 'Gehaltsanpassung' (pay rise/adjustment), and 'Marktanpassung' (market adjustment).

The plural is 'die Anpassungen'. Use it when you are talking about several different changes or settings.

Yes, it is a core B1 word because it is essential for discussing work, environment, and social integration.

It is an adjective meaning 'adaptable'. It is a very positive trait to have in a professional environment.

Yes, especially in IT. 'Individuelle Anpassung' is the standard German term for 'individual customization' of software.

Because it ends in the suffix '-ung'. All German nouns ending in '-ung' are feminine (die).

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