Large German city signed original contracts (7)

I believe the answer is:

lessens

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'contracts' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both related to change as well as being verbs in their -s form.
Perhaps you can see a link between them that I don't see?

'large german city signed original' is the wordplay.
'large' becomes 'L' (eg in clothes sizes).
'german city' becomes 'essen' (city in Germany).
'original' indicates taking the first letters.
The initial letter of 'signed' is 's'.
'l'+'essen'+'s'='LESSENS'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for lessens that I've seen before include "Abates" , "dies down" , "Disparages" , "Belittles" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.

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