delivery / performance
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delivery
The formal act of handing over or delivering something that was owed, ordered, or completed. This can refer to goods, documents, or even creative work.
Der Autor war mit der Ablieferung seines Manuskripts in Verzug.
The author was behind schedule with the delivery of his manuscript.
This word is the nominalization of the separable verb 'abliefern' (to deliver / to turn in). It consists of the prefix 'ab-' (which here indicates completion or getting something done) and the verb 'liefern' (to deliver). 'Ablieferung' (delivery) is therefore the completed act of delivering.
Die Ablieferung der bestellten Möbel verzögert sich um eine Woche.
The delivery of the ordered furniture is delayed by one week.
In the meaning 'Zustellung' (delivery), 'Ablieferung' belongs to formal administrative and business language. It is often used in connection with contracts, deadlines, and official handovers.
Der Termin für die Ablieferung der Projektdokumentation ist der 31. Mai.
The deadline for delivery of the project documentation is May 31.
Common combinations are 'die Ablieferung der Ware' (the delivery of the goods), 'der Termin der Ablieferung' (the delivery date), or 'bei Ablieferung bezahlen' (to pay upon delivery). The preposition 'bei' is used to mark the time of handover.
Die Rechnung ist sofort bei Ablieferung fällig.
The invoice is due immediately upon delivery.
When 'Ablieferung' (performance) describes a performance, this often happens in the context of sports, art, or work. Adjectives such as 'stark' (strong), 'schwach' (weak), or 'routiniert' (routine) indicate that a performance is being evaluated here.
Der Pianist bot eine technisch perfekte, aber emotionslose Ablieferung.
The pianist offered a technically perfect but emotionless performance.
performance / output / benefit
'die Leistung' and 'die Ablieferung' can both describe a result or a performance. 'Leistung' is the normal, neutral word when saying how well someone did something. 'Ablieferung' sounds more casual in this meaning and is often used in sports, art, or media. It can be appreciative, but it can also sound slightly ironic, as if someone is routinely delivering something. The words can be confused because both can evaluate a result. In neutral situations, 'Leistung' is safer; 'Ablieferung' fits better for a concrete performance in front of others.
Nach dem Konzert lobten viele Fans die starke Ablieferung der Sängerin.
After the concert, many fans praised the singer's strong performance.
Im Büro spricht die Chefin ihrer Mitarbeiterin ein Lob für die gute Leistung aus.
At the office, the boss praises her employee for her good performance.