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erfolgreich
successful
Having achieved the desired goal or a positive result; with success.
example
Nach langem Training war sie bei dem Wettkampf endlich erfolgreich.
After long training, she was finally successful in the competition.
erfolgreich
successful
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word structure
The adjective 'erfolgreich' (successful) is made up of the noun 'der Erfolg' (success) and the suffix '-reich' (-rich, full of). It literally means 'rich in success.'
EXAMPLE
Sie ist eine sehr erfolgreiche Geschäftsfrau.
She is a very successful businesswoman.
Use in a sentence
'Erfolgreich' (successful) can be used as an adjective before a noun, as part of the predicate with 'sein' (to be), or as an adverb to describe a verb.
EXAMPLE
Das war ein erfolgreicher Tag.
That was a successful day.
Typical collocations
Common verbs that are combined with 'erfolgreich' (successful/successfully) are 'sein' (to be), 'werden' (to become), 'abschließen' (to complete), 'beenden' (to finish), or 'verlaufen' (to go/proceed).
EXAMPLE
Das Meeting ist sehr erfolgreich verlaufen.
The meeting went very successfully.
Compare with
erfolgreich vs glücklich
happy / lucky
'glücklich' and 'erfolgreich' can both describe that something turned out well. 'erfolgreich' clearly says that a goal was achieved. It fits well with exams, projects, conversations, or plans. In this context, 'glücklich' can mean that something ultimately went well or favorably, often with some luck. Learners confuse the words because success can make people happy. But 'erfolgreich' describes the result; 'glücklich' describes either a feeling or a particularly good outcome.
erfolgreich
Die Klasse bereitet sich gut vor und besteht die Prüfung erfolgreich.
The class prepares well and successfully passes the exam.
glücklich
Nach einem schwierigen Start nahm die Reise doch noch ein glückliches Ende.
After a difficult start, the trip did have a happy ending after all.
In real life
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