Anpassung

Anpassung is a German noun meaning the act or result of adapting or adjusting to new conditions. It derives from the verb anpassen ("to fit, to suit") and denotes the process or outcome of making something appropriate for a given situation. The noun is feminine (die Anpassung) and forms the plural Anpassungen. The term is widely used across disciplines and languages as an equivalent to adaptation or adjustment.

In biology and ecology, Anpassung describes how organisms acquire traits that improve their fitness in a particular environment. This includes structural (morphological) adaptations, physiological changes, and behavioral strategies. Some Anpassungen arise through evolution and natural selection, others through reversible acclimatization to current conditions.

In psychology, social sciences, and medicine, Anpassung covers how individuals adjust to life events, social roles, or medical regimens. In technology and business, it refers to modifying systems, processes, or products to meet new requirements, such as software localization, product customization, or organizational realignment. In linguistics and translation, Anpassung can mean modifying wording or content to fit a target audience or cultural context.

Related terms include Anpassungsfähigkeit (the capacity to adapt) and Dosisanpassung (dose adjustment). See also adaptation, acclimatization, and localization.