ausreichend
sufficient
Enough; in a quantity or quality that is adequate for a specific purpose or meets the requirements.
EXAMPLE
Wir haben ausreichend Getränke für alle Gäste.
We have sufficient drinks for all the guests.
ausreichend
sufficient
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Meanings
ausreichend
satisfactory
A school grade in Germany that means 'passed', but only indicates a barely sufficient or minimal performance (grade 4).
EXAMPLE
Er hat die Prüfung mit der Note 'ausreichend' bestanden.
He passed the exam with the grade 'satisfactory'.
Usage tips
Word structure
'Ausreichend' (sufficient) is the present participle of the verb 'ausreichen' (to be sufficient), which means 'genügen' (to suffice) or 'gerade so genug sein' (to be just enough). The adjective therefore describes a state in which something is just sufficient.
EXAMPLE
Die Zeit wird für die Präsentation ausreichen.
The time will be sufficient for the presentation.
Use as an adverb
'Ausreichend' (sufficiently) can stand not only as an adjective before a noun, but also as an adverb that describes a verb or another adjective. In this function, it is not declined.
EXAMPLE
Bitte informieren Sie sich ausreichend über die Risiken.
Please inform yourself sufficiently about the risks.
Register and style
'Ausreichend' (sufficient) is often used in more formal or written contexts, for example in reports, instructions, or official notices.
EXAMPLE
Sorgen Sie für eine ausreichende Belüftung des Raumes.
Ensure sufficient ventilation of the room.
Context clue
The meaning as a school grade (grade 4) is only relevant in the context of school, university, exams, and report cards. Words like 'Note' (grade), 'Prüfung' (exam), or 'bestanden' (passed) are clear signals for this meaning.
EXAMPLE
Mit der Note „ausreichend“ hat man den Test gerade noch bestanden.
With the grade 'satisfactory', you have just barely passed the test.
Compare with
ausreichend vs genug
enough
Genug and ausreichend both express that something is sufficient for a purpose. Genug usually sounds more everyday, while ausreichend is often more matter-of-fact and focuses more on reaching a minimum standard. Before a noun, genug remains unchanged, whereas ausreichend can be inflected as an attributive adjective.
ausreichend
Für die Prüfung steht eine ausreichende Bearbeitungszeit zur Verfügung.
A sufficient amount of time is available for the exam.
genug
Für die Prüfung haben wir genug Zeit.
We have enough time for the exam.
In real life
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