modernisieren

Modernisieren is a German verb meaning to modernize, upgrade, or bring up to current standards. It is used for renovations, improvements, and updates to buildings, equipment, systems, or processes to align them with contemporary requirements.

The verb is formed with the stem modern- and the suffix -isieren, common in German for verbs that denote making something a certain state. The root modern- ultimately derives from the noun Moderne or Modernität, with etymological ties to Latin modernus; the term entered standard German during the industrialization of the 19th century.

Typical contexts include architecture and housing, where a property is modernized; infrastructure and industry, where facilities and machinery are upgraded; technology and digitalization, where software or networks are refreshed; and public administration, where procedures and services are updated to improve efficiency and sustainability.

Modernisieren differs from renovieren (renovate), which focuses on restoring or repairing, whereas modernisieren emphasizes updating to current standards, performance, or efficiency.

See also: renovation, modernization, digitalization, energy modernization.