Describes an amount, extent, or degree that is large, significant, or remarkable. It is used to express that something is clearly above average.
example
Durch den Sturm entstand ein beträchtlicher Schaden am Dach.
The storm caused considerable damage to the roof.
Usage tips
Word family
The word 'beträchtlich' (considerable) is derived from the verb 'betrachten' (to look at/consider). The idea behind it is that an amount or extent is so large that it is remarkable or 'worth looking at'.
EXAMPLE
Die Firma hat einen beträchtlichen Gewinn erzielt.
The company made a considerable profit.
Register and style
'Beträchtlich' (considerable) belongs more to written language or a more formal style. It is often found in news, reports, or official announcements.
EXAMPLE
Die Zahl der Arbeitslosen ist beträchtlich gesunken.
The number of unemployed people has fallen considerably.
Typical collocations
This adjective is often used with nouns that describe an amount or extent. Typical combinations are 'ein beträchtlicher Schaden' (considerable damage), 'eine beträchtliche Summe' (a considerable sum), or 'eine beträchtliche Anzahl' (a considerable number).
EXAMPLE
Für die Renovierung ist eine beträchtliche Summe Geld nötig.
A considerable sum of money is needed for the renovation.
Adverbial use
'Beträchtlich' (considerable/considerably) can also be used as an adverb to modify a verb. It then means 'significantly' or 'noticeably'.
EXAMPLE
Die Lebenshaltungskosten sind in den letzten Jahren beträchtlich gestiegen.
The cost of living has risen considerably in recent years.
Compare with
near_synonym
beträchtlich vs deutlich
clear / clearly
'deutlich' and 'beträchtlich' can both express that a difference, amount, or extent is large. 'deutlich' is often used as an adverb and shows that something is clearly noticeable or clearly bigger, smaller, better, or worse. 'beträchtlich' more strongly describes a large amount or a large extent and sounds somewhat more factual. It works well with costs, damage, differences, or changes. 'deutlich' can be used more broadly in everyday language; 'beträchtlich' sounds more precise when you want to emphasize size or scope.
beträchtlich
Die Reparatur hat beträchtliche Kosten verursacht.
The repair caused considerable costs.
deutlich
Nach dem Kurs spricht du deutlich sicherer Deutsch.
After the course, you speak German much more confidently.