elaborate / costly
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elaborate / costly
Involving great effort, that is, a lot of work, time, or money. It describes things that are complicated, expensive, or very rich in detail.
Die Restaurierung des alten Schlosses war sehr aufwendig und teuer.
The restoration of the old castle was very elaborate and expensive.
The adjective 'aufwendig' (elaborate/costly) is derived directly from the noun 'der Aufwand' (effort, trouble, or expense). So when something is 'aufwendig', it requires a lot of effort.
Der Aufwand für die Organisation der Feier war enorm.
The effort involved in organizing the celebration was enormous.
'Aufwendig' (elaborate/costly) often describes processes, projects, or objects that require a lot of effort. Typical examples are: 'eine aufwendige Renovierung' (an elaborate renovation), 'ein aufwendiges Verfahren' (a complex procedure), 'eine aufwendige Produktion' (an elaborate production), or 'ein aufwendiges Kostüm' (an elaborate costume).
Für den Film wurden sehr aufwendige Kostüme geschneidert.
Very elaborate costumes were made for the film.
'Aufwendig' (elaborately/at great expense) can also be used as an adverb to describe how an action is carried out. It is then often used with participles such as 'gestaltet' (designed), 'produziert' (produced), or 'dekoriert' (decorated).
Das Buch ist sehr aufwendig gestaltet und enthält viele Bilder.
The book is very elaborately designed and contains many pictures.
simple / just
'einfach' and 'aufwendig' are often opposites. 'einfach' means that something is easy, plain, or without many parts. 'aufwendig' means that something requires a lot of time, work, money, or careful planning. An 'einfache Lösung' (simple solution) is quick and uncomplicated. An 'aufwendige Lösung' (elaborate solution) may be better or more attractive, but it requires significantly more effort.
Die Vorbereitung für die Hochzeit ist sehr aufwendig.
The preparations for the wedding are very elaborate.
Für das Abendessen mache ich heute ein einfaches Gericht mit Nudeln.
For dinner today, I'm making a simple pasta dish.