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bedeutend
significant
Very important, influential, or of great consequence.
example
Die Erfindung des Buchdrucks war ein bedeutendes Ereignis in der Geschichte.
The invention of printing was a significant event in history.
bedeutend
significant / considerable
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
'Bedeutend' (significant/considerable) is the present participle of the verb 'bedeuten' (to mean, to signify). So it describes something that has or gives meaning.
EXAMPLE
Das ist ein bedeutender Fortschritt für die Medizin.
That is a significant advance for medicine.
Adjective and adverb
'Bedeutend' can stand before a noun as an adjective or be used as an adverb to intensify another adjective, often in the comparative. As an adverb, it means 'considerably' or 'significantly'.
EXAMPLE
Sie ist eine bedeutende Persönlichkeit in der Politik.
She is a significant figure in politics.
Context clue
If 'bedeutend' refers to a person, an event, or an idea, it means 'important' or 'significant'. If it comes before a comparative, e.g. 'größer' (larger), or a word for quantity, e.g. 'Teil' (part), it means 'considerable' or 'considerably'.
EXAMPLE
Marie Curie war eine bedeutende Wissenschaftlerin.
Marie Curie was a significant scientist.
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'important', 'bedeutend' is often combined with people, events, or abstract concepts: 'eine bedeutende Rolle' (a significant role), 'ein bedeutender Schritt' (a significant step), 'ein bedeutender Künstler' (a significant artist).
EXAMPLE
Die Unterzeichnung des Vertrags war ein bedeutender Schritt zum Frieden.
The signing of the treaty was a significant step toward peace.
Compare with
bedeutend vs groß
big / great
'groß' and 'bedeutend' can both say that something is important or strong in extent. 'groß' is more general and often also more emotional or everyday. For example, you say 'ein großer Erfolg' (a great success) or 'eine große Hilfe' (a great help). 'bedeutend' sounds more factual and emphasizes that something is important, influential, or substantial. It fits especially well in reports, news, or more serious conversations. For simple everyday language, 'groß' is often more natural; for importance with an effect, 'bedeutend' is more precise.
bedeutend
Im Gespräch nennt Lukas einen bedeutenden Grund für die Entscheidung.
In the conversation, Lukas mentions a significant reason for the decision.
groß
Die Unterstützung meiner Freunde war eine große Hilfe.
The support from my friends was a great help.
In real life
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