der Erfolg
success
The positive result of an effort, plan, or action. It refers to achieving a set goal.
EXAMPLE
Das neue Marketingkonzept war ein voller Erfolg für die Firma.
The new marketing concept was a complete success for the company.
der Erfolg
success
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Meanings
der Erfolg
success
Refers to a person, work, or product that is very successful. Often used in cultural or business contexts.
EXAMPLE
Der Roman wurde schnell zu einem internationalen Erfolg.
The novel quickly became an international success.
Usage tips
Word family
The word 'Erfolg' (success) is closely related to the verb 'erfolgen' (to happen, to occur). The logic behind it is that success 'follows' from an action or is the result that comes from it.
EXAMPLE
Der Plan war gut, und der Erfolg erfolgte wie erwartet.
The plan was good, and success followed as expected.
Typical collocations
'Erfolg' (success) is often combined with the verb 'haben' (to have). You can also use adjectives like 'groß' (great), 'klein' (small), or 'überraschend' (surprising) to describe the success.
EXAMPLE
Mit ihrer Idee hatte die junge Unternehmerin großen Erfolg.
The young entrepreneur had great success with her idea.
Use with 'mit'
The combination 'mit Erfolg' (with success) means 'successfully' and is used like an adverb to describe that an action led to the desired goal.
EXAMPLE
Er hat die Prüfung mit Erfolg bestanden.
He passed the exam successfully.
Typical use
In this meaning, 'Erfolg' (success) is often used with the verbs 'sein' (to be) or 'werden' (to become) to describe a product, work of art, or person as successful.
EXAMPLE
Das Buch war von Anfang an ein großer Erfolg.
The book was a great success from the very beginning.
Compare with
Erfolg vs Ergebnis
result
Das Ergebnis neutrally describes what comes out at the end of a project or process. Der Erfolg evaluates this outcome positively and shows that a goal was achieved. An Ergebnis can therefore be good or bad; an Erfolg is always positive.
Erfolg
Das Projekt erreichte sein Ziel und war ein großer Erfolg.
The project achieved its goal and was a great success.
Ergebnis
Das Projekt endete mit einem Ergebnis, das nun genau geprüft wird.
The project ended with a result that is now being examined closely.
In real life
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