efficient
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efficient
Describes a way of working or proceeding in which a maximum result is achieved with as little time, resources, or energy as possible. It means doing something effectively and economically.
Durch die neue Software können wir unsere Aufgaben viel effizienter erledigen.
With the new software, we can complete our tasks much more efficiently.
'Effizient' (efficient/efficiently) is very often used as an adverb to describe a verb. It answers the question 'How is something done?'. Typical combinations are 'effizient arbeiten' (to work efficiently), 'effizient lernen' (to study efficiently), or 'effizient wirtschaften' (to operate/manage efficiently).
Mit der neuen Maschine können wir viel effizienter produzieren.
With the new machine, we can produce much more efficiently.
As an adjective, 'effizient' (efficient) often describes abstract nouns from the fields of work and technology. Common combinations are 'eine effiziente Methode' (an efficient method), 'eine effiziente Lösung' (an efficient solution), or 'ein effizienter Prozess' (an efficient process).
Das Team sucht nach einer effizienten Lösung für das Problem.
The team is looking for an efficient solution to the problem.
'Effizient' (efficient) is an international word that comes from Latin. It is often used in formal, technical, or business contexts. It can also be combined to form new words, e.g. 'energieeffizient' (energy-efficient).
Unser neuer Kühlschrank ist sehr energieeffizient.
Our new refrigerator is very energy-efficient.
economic / economical
'wirtschaftlich' and 'effizient' can both describe something that brings a good result with little effort. The difference lies in the focus. 'effizient' is used especially for ways of working, processes, or technology when little time, energy, or material is needed. 'wirtschaftlich' puts more emphasis on costs, benefit, or profitability. Something can be efficient because it works quickly, but not necessarily economical if it is too expensive. Learners confuse the words because efficient work is often also economical. In practice: ask yourself whether you mainly mean the process or the costs.
Mit der neuen Software bearbeitet das Team die Anfragen viel effizienter.
With the new software, the team processes the requests much more efficiently.
Die Reparatur ist nicht mehr wirtschaftlich, weil ein neues Gerät fast genauso viel kostet.
The repair is no longer economical because a new device costs almost the same.