erfreulich
pleasing
Such that it causes joy or satisfaction; positive and pleasant.
EXAMPLE
Der Arzt hatte eine erfreuliche Nachricht für die Patientin.
The doctor had pleasing news for the patient.
erfreulich
pleasing
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Meanings
erfreulich
encouragingly
Used as an adverb to describe a positive development or manner.
EXAMPLE
Die Besucherzahlen des Museums haben sich erfreulich entwickelt.
The museum's visitor numbers have developed encouragingly.
Usage tips
Word family
The adjective 'erfreulich' (pleasing) belongs to the word family of 'die Freude' (joy) and 'sich freuen' (to be happy). The prefix 'er-' and the ending '-lich' form a word from it that means 'bringing joy'.
EXAMPLE
Es ist immer erfreulich, von alten Freunden zu hören.
It is always pleasing to hear from old friends.
Register and style
'Erfreulich' (pleasing) belongs more to written language or somewhat more formal usage. It is used less often in everyday, casual conversations.
EXAMPLE
Der Geschäftsbericht zeigte eine erfreuliche Umsatzsteigerung.
The annual report showed a pleasing increase in revenue.
Typical collocations
As an adjective before a noun, 'erfreulich' (pleasing) is often combined with abstract things. Common collocations are: 'eine erfreuliche Nachricht' (pleasing news), 'ein erfreuliches Ergebnis' (a pleasing result), or 'eine erfreuliche Entwicklung' (a pleasing development).
EXAMPLE
Das Wahlergebnis war für die kleine Partei sehr erfreulich.
The election result was very pleasing for the small party.
Use as an adverb
As an adverb, 'erfreulich' (encouragingly) usually describes verbs that express a change or development. Typical verbs are 'sich entwickeln' (to develop), 'steigen' (to rise), or 'zunehmen' (to increase).
EXAMPLE
Die Zahl der Anmeldungen für den Kurs ist erfreulich hoch.
The number of registrations for the course is encouragingly high.
Compare with
erfreulich vs positiv
positive
Positiv and erfreulich can both describe favorable news or a favorable development. Positiv mainly evaluates the effect or trend, while erfreulich places more emphasis on the joy or satisfaction this creates. Use „erfreulich“ when the emotional response is important.
erfreulich
Die neue Regelung ist für den Arbeitsalltag erfreulich, weil sie viele Abläufe erleichtert.
The new regulation is a welcome change in day-to-day work because it makes many processes easier.
positiv
Die neue Regelung hat eine positive Wirkung auf den Arbeitsalltag.
The new regulation has a positive effect on day-to-day work.
In real life
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