kompensieren
compensate
The German word "kompensieren" is a verb that means "to compensate" or "to make up for". It is derived from the Latin word "compensare," and is often used in contexts related to offsetting a deficiency or balancing an effect.
Similar words in German include "ausgleichen" (to balance), "entlasten" (to relieve or offset), and "wettmachen" (to make up for).
Differences:
- Ausgleichen often refers specifically to achieving balance, such as financial institutions balancing accounts.
- Entlasten focuses more on relieving a burden rather than just compensating for it.
- Wettmachen can imply actively correcting or fixing a mistake or deficiency, rather than simply compensating for it.
In summary, while all three are similar in meaning, they have slightly different connotations that may be more appropriate in specific contexts.
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Examples
Wir müssen den Ausfall irgendwie kompensieren.verb
We have to somehow compensate for the failure.
Wie kann man diesen Nachteil kompensieren?verb
How can one compensate for this disadvantage?
Die Firma kompensierte die Überstunden mit Freizeit.verb
The company compensated the overtime with time off.
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