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verlangsamen

to slow down, to decelerate

verb fer-LANG-za-men Rare
Travel & Places Movement

Usage Note

verlangsamen is the counterpart of beschleunigen — reducing speed or pace. It is used both literally (das Fahrzeug verlangsamte sich) and figuratively (das Wachstum verlangsamt sich). In reflexive form sich verlangsamen it implies gradual reduction rather than a sudden stop.

Examples

"Der Zug verlangsamte sich beim Einfahren in den Bahnhof."

Natural Translation

The train slowed down as it entered the station.

Literal Translation

The train slowed itself on entering into the station.

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