der  Vergleich

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/fɛɐ̯ˈɡlaɪç/

🔍 What does "der Vergleich" mean?

The noun der Vergleich (masculine) primarily has two meanings in German:

• Comparison: The act of considering or placing two or more things, people, or situations side by side to identify similarities or differences. Example: Ein Preisvergleich kann Geld sparen. (A price comparison can save money.)
• Settlement / Agreement (often legal): An amicable agreement between parties to resolve a dispute, often in court. Example: Die Parteien schlossen einen Vergleich. (The parties reached a settlement.)

It's important to consider the context to understand the correct meaning.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📐 Grammar Deep Dive: Declension of Vergleich

The word "Vergleich" is a masculine noun. Here are the declension tables:

💡 Example Sentences

1. Meaning 'Comparison': Der Vergleich der beiden Angebote zeigt deutliche Preisunterschiede.
   (The comparison of the two offers shows clear price differences.)
2. Meaning 'Comparison': Im Vergleich zum Vorjahr sind die Umsätze gestiegen.
   (In comparison to the previous year, sales have increased.)
3. Meaning 'Settlement': Nach langen Verhandlungen erzielten die Anwälte einen gerichtlichen Vergleich.
   (After long negotiations, the lawyers reached a court settlement.)
4. Meaning 'Settlement': Sie einigten sich auf einen außergerichtlichen Vergleich, um den Prozess zu beenden.
   (They agreed on an out-of-court settlement to end the lawsuit.)

🗣️ Using "Vergleich" Correctly

The use of der Vergleich depends heavily on the context:

• Everyday life: Often used for product, price, or performance comparisons. The phrase "im Vergleich zu" (in comparison to) or "im Vergleich mit" (in comparison with) is very common. Example: Im Vergleich zu gestern ist es heute wärmer. (Compared to yesterday, it's warmer today.)
• In science & research: Central for studies to analyze and classify results. Example: Der Vergleich der Studienergebnisse bestätigt die Hypothese. (The comparison of the study results confirms the hypothesis.)
• In the legal system: Refers to an agreement to settle a dispute, avoiding a court judgment. Here, one often speaks of a "gerichtlicher Vergleich" (court settlement) or "außergerichtlicher Vergleich" (out-of-court settlement). Example: Der Vergleich beendete den jahrelangen Rechtsstreit. (The settlement ended the years-long legal dispute.)

⚠️ Don't confuse it with "Abgleich", which means checking for consistency or matching (e.g., data synchronization/matching).

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

Article mnemonic: Think of "der Deal" for the legal settlement meaning, or "der Check" (as in checking and comparing prices). Both 'Deal' and 'Check' might feel more masculine, helping you remember der Vergleich.

Meaning mnemonic: Imagine someone saying "Very like!" (sounds a bit like Vergleich) when comparing two similar things. For the settlement meaning, think of lawyers comparing notes to reach an agreement.

↔️ Opposites and Similarities: Synonyms & Antonyms for Vergleich

Similar but different words:

• Gleichnis: A parable or illustrative comparison.
• Analogie: An analogy, a similarity in relationships.

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Richter den Angeklagten: "Wollen Sie einen Vergleich?"
Sagt der Angeklagte: "Womit denn, Herr Richter? Ich habe doch nichts zum Vergleichen dabei!"

Translation: The judge asks the defendant: "Do you want a settlement (Vergleich)?"
The defendant replies: "With what, Your Honor? I don't have anything with me to compare (vergleichen)!" (Plays on the two meanings of Vergleich/vergleichen)

📜 A Little Poem

Der Vergleich, ein kluges Maß,
Zeigt dir dies und zeigt dir das.
Mal als Brücke, Streit zu enden,
Mal um klüger sich zu wenden.
Ob Preis, ob Recht, ob groß, ob klein,
Er hilft, die Dinge klar zu sehn.

Translation:
The comparison, a clever measure,
Shows you this and shows you that.
Sometimes a bridge to end a fight,
Sometimes to turn more wisely, bright.
Whether price, or law, or big, or small,
It helps to see things clearly, all.

❓ Riddle Time

Ich stelle Dinge nebeneinander,
finde Ähnlichkeit, mal auch Kunterbunter.
Im Gericht helf' ich, den Streit zu schließen,
lass' die Parteien Frieden genießen.

Was bin ich?

Translation:
I place things side by side,
find similarity, sometimes a colourful ride.
In court, I help to close the dispute,
let the parties enjoy peace, absolute.

What am I?
(... der Vergleich)

ℹ️ More Tidbits

Word Formation: The noun "der Vergleich" is derived from the verb "vergleichen" (to compare). The prefix "ver-" can have various meanings; here, it suggests a process or result. The stem "gleich" (equal, same) points to similarity or correspondence.

Related Terms:

• vergleichbar (adjective: comparable)
• vergleichsweise (adverb: comparatively)
• Vergleichsstudie (noun: comparative study)
• Vergleichsportal (noun: comparison portal/website)