German Conversation · Level 72
58 words
German word
anpassen
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈanpasən/
Meaning
- verbadjust
Example
Wir passen die Termine an.
We are adjusting the schedules.
More examples
Man muss sich schnell anpassen an die Situation.
You have to adapt to the situation quickly.
Core concept
A setting or behavior is reshaped until it fits a particular purpose or person.
Common phrases
die Einstellungen anpassen
adjust the settings
sich anpassen an die Situation
adapt to the situation
die Temperatur anpassen
adjust the temperature
Similar words
einstellen: Adjusting a machine or function to the appropriate operating level.
abstimmen: Aligning schedules or opinions with others to reach a shared decision.
verändern: Altering appearance or qualities to create a different state.
Definition in German
Etwas so verändern, dass es für einen Zweck oder eine Person passt.
Word origin
Anpassen combines the separable prefix an- with passen, whose basic sense is 'fit', forming a verb for bringing something into alignment.
Usage tips
- In a main clause, the prefix separates, as in 'Wir passen die Termine an', but it stays attached in an infinitive such as 'anzupassen'.
Other meanings
- adaptverb
Opposites
- beibehaltenretainverb
- widerstehenresistverb
Related words
- Anpassungsfähigkeitadaptabilitynoun
- anpassungsfähigadaptableadjective