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.
helpful
“Hilfreich” describes the usefulness of a person, thing, or piece of information. “Behilflich,” on the other hand, politely refers to a person’s concrete assistance and is usually used in the expression “jemandem behilflich sein” (to be of assistance to someone). Therefore, only “hilfreich” is suitable for a useful tool.
Die Mitarbeiterin war mir bei der Suche nach dem richtigen Formular behilflich.
The employee assisted me in finding the right form.
Die Mitarbeiterin war mit ihren klaren Hinweisen bei der Suche sehr hilfreich.
The employee was very helpful in the search because of her clear instructions.
