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.
'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
'Erfüllung' and 'Befriedigung' can both have to do with satisfaction after a wish or goal has been achieved. 'Erfüllung' often sounds deeper and more long-term, for example with a lifelong dream, meaningful work, or a promise. 'Befriedigung' more often describes the feeling that a need, an expectation, or even a demand has been satisfied. In formal texts, 'Befriedigung' can also be used with claims or demands. The words can be confused because both sound like they refer to a positive result. 'Erfüllung' fits better with big or personal goals; 'Befriedigung' fits better with a specific need, expectation, or claim.
Nach der Reparatur sah Max mit Befriedigung, dass das Fahrrad wieder fuhr.
After the repair, Max saw with satisfaction that the bicycle worked again.
In der Arbeit mit Kindern findet Sofia viel Erfüllung.
Sofia finds a lot of fulfillment in working with children.