vergrößern

Vergrößern is a German verb meaning to increase the size of something, i.e., to enlarge or magnify. It is commonly used when referring to images, texts, objects, or displays becoming larger, as well as to zoom in on an element in digital interfaces or on paper.

The verb can be used transitively with a direct object, for example: ich vergrößere das Bild (I enlarge the image) or die Schrift vergrößern (to enlarge the font). In everyday usage, it describes making something appear bigger or more detailed, such as when editing photos, printing documents at a larger scale, or using a magnifying tool. The imperative and polite forms are Vergrößern Sie das Bild, or Vergrößere das Foto.

Vergrößern can also be used intransitively with a reflexive sense: sich vergrößern, meaning to grow larger in size or scope by itself, as in Städte oder Einwohnerzahlen, die sich vergrößern (cities or populations that increase in size). In optics and technical contexts, the term is associated with magnification, often expressed as eine Vergrößerung von x-mal (a magnification of x times).

Nouns closely related to the verb include Vergrößerung (the act or result of enlarging or magnifying), Vergrößerungsfaktor (magnification factor), and Vergrößerungsglas (magnifying glass). The common antonym is Verkleinern (to shrink or reduce in size). Etymologically, vergrößern derives from groß (large) with the prefix ver-, which in German can indicate a change of state or completion.