satisfaction / fulfillment
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satisfaction
The feeling of contentment and pleasure that arises when a wish, need, or expectation is fulfilled.
Es bereitete ihm große Befriedigung, das schwierige Projekt erfolgreich abzuschließen.
It gave him great satisfaction to successfully complete the difficult project.
fulfillment
The formal act of fulfilling a demand, claim, or obligation, especially in a legal or business context.
Der Gläubiger verlangt die sofortige Befriedigung seiner finanziellen Ansprüche.
The creditor demands the immediate fulfillment of his financial claims.
'Die Befriedigung' (satisfaction / fulfillment) is the noun corresponding to the verb 'befriedigen' (to satisfy). The ending '-ung' turns the action of the verb into a noun that describes the process or the result.
Seine Antwort konnte meine Neugier nicht befriedigen.
His answer could not satisfy my curiosity.
To express the feeling of satisfaction, 'Befriedigung' (satisfaction) is often combined with verbs such as 'empfinden' (to feel), 'finden' (to find), or 'bereiten' (to give/cause). Adjectives such as 'groß' (great), 'tief' (deep), or 'innerlich' (inner) describe the strength of the feeling.
Er fand große Befriedigung in seiner ehrenamtlichen Arbeit.
He found great satisfaction in his volunteer work.
You can recognize this meaning from the context. It is used almost only in specialized language (law, business). Words such as 'Gläubiger' (creditor), 'Anspruch' (claim), or 'Forderung' (demand) are clear signals for this formal meaning.
Das Gericht ordnete die vollständige Befriedigung aller Forderungen an.
The court ordered the complete fulfillment of all claims.
fulfillment
Both words describe a positive feeling after a successful activity or experience. „Befriedigung“ usually arises when a wish, need, or expectation is satisfied, while „Erfüllung“ refers to a more lasting feeling of meaning and inner wholeness. Use „Befriedigung“ for a satisfied need and „Erfüllung“ for a deeper sense of meaning.
Die erfolgreiche Lösung des schwierigen Problems gab ihr große Befriedigung.
Successfully solving the difficult problem gave her great satisfaction.
Die tägliche Hilfe für ältere Menschen ist für sie eine große Erfüllung.
Helping older people every day gives her a great sense of fulfillment.
