helpful
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to be of assistance
Used to express that someone helps someone or offers their help. It is a polite form of 'helfen' (to help) and is mostly used in the phrase 'jemandem behilflich sein' (to be of assistance to someone).
Der Verkäufer war sehr freundlich und war mir bei der Auswahl behilflich.
The salesperson was very friendly and was of assistance to me in making my choice.
The adjective 'behilflich' (helpful / of assistance) is used almost exclusively in the fixed expression 'jemandem behilflich sein' (to be of assistance to someone). It describes active help and is a polite alternative to 'helfen' (to help).
Kann ich Ihnen irgendwie behilflich sein?
Can I be of assistance to you in any way?
The person who is being helped is always in the dative. The task or problem with which help is being given is often introduced with the preposition 'bei' + dative.
Könnten Sie mir bitte beim Tragen der Koffer behilflich sein?
Could you please be of assistance to me with carrying the suitcases?
Avoid using 'behilflich' (helpful / of assistance) like a normal adjective before a noun. A sentence like 'Er ist ein behilflicher Mann' is unusual. The correct form is always connected with the verb 'sein' (to be).
Der Mitarbeiter an der Information war mir sehr behilflich.
The employee at the information desk was very helpful to me.
The expression 'behilflich sein' (to be of assistance) sounds more polite and somewhat more formal than the simple verb 'helfen' (to help). It is therefore often used in customer service, in shops, or in formal requests.
Die Bibliothekarin war uns bei der Suche nach den Büchern behilflich.
The librarian was of assistance to us in searching for the books.
to help
'helfen' and 'behilflich' both express that someone receives support. 'helfen' is the normal verb for everyday situations. 'behilflich' is mostly used in the phrase 'jemandem behilflich sein' (to be of assistance to someone). This sounds more polite and often somewhat more formal, for example in shops, offices, or official situations. Learners may confuse the words because their meanings are similar. As a practical rule: with friends or family, you usually say 'helfen'. When politely offering help, 'behilflich sein' fits well.
Gern bin ich Ihnen bei der Suche nach der richtigen Wohnung behilflich.
I would be happy to assist you in finding the right apartment.
Die Eltern helfen ihrem Kind bei den Hausaufgaben.
The parents help their child with the homework.