01
die Erleichterung
relief
The feeling of release and relaxation after a burden, fear, or tension has disappeared.
example
Zu meiner großen Erleichterung habe ich die Prüfung bestanden.
To my great relief, I passed the exam.
die Erleichterung
relief
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The noun 'Erleichterung' (relief) comes from the verb 'erleichtern' (to make easier/lighter). So it describes the result or feeling when a burden, whether physical or psychological, becomes lighter.
EXAMPLE
Die neue Brücke wird den Verkehr in der Stadt erheblich erleichtern.
The new bridge will significantly ease traffic in the city.
Expressing a feeling
To express the feeling of relief, people often use the phrase 'zu jemandes Erleichterung' (to someone's relief) or verbs like 'verspüren' (to feel) and 'empfinden' (to experience/feel).
EXAMPLE
Zu seiner Erleichterung war der Test einfacher als gedacht.
To his relief, the test was easier than expected.
Sentence structure with 'dass'
The reason for the relief is often introduced with a subordinate clause beginning with 'dass' (that). The relief then lies in the fact described by the subordinate clause.
EXAMPLE
Die Erleichterung, dass niemand verletzt wurde, war bei allen groß.
The relief that no one was injured was great for everyone.
Use with 'für'
When 'Erleichterung' (relief) describes a simplification, the preposition 'für' (for) is often used to indicate whom or what the thing helps. Typical adjectives are 'groß' (great), 'enorm' (enormous), or 'deutlich' (clear/significant).
EXAMPLE
Der neue Aufzug ist eine große Erleichterung für die älteren Bewohner.
The new elevator is a great relief for the older residents.
Context clue
In a financial or political context, you can almost always recognize this meaning from adjectives like 'steuerlich' (tax-related) or 'finanziell' (financial). Here it is about concrete benefits, not a feeling.
EXAMPLE
Kleine Unternehmen hoffen auf finanzielle Erleichterungen durch die neuen Gesetze.
Small businesses are hoping for financial relief through the new laws.
Compare with
Erleichterung vs Hilfe
help
'die Hilfe' and 'die Erleichterung' can both mean that something becomes easier. 'Hilfe' usually means support from a person, a thing, or an action. 'Erleichterung' fits better when a situation or measure makes a task less difficult. Learners may confuse the words because help is often also a relief. In practice: when someone actively provides support, you usually say 'Hilfe'. When you want to emphasize that something becomes less strenuous or easier, 'Erleichterung' is a better fit.
Erleichterung
Der neue Aufzug ist für meine Mutter eine große Erleichterung, weil sie schlecht Treppen steigen kann.
The new elevator is a great relief for my mother because she has difficulty climbing stairs.
Hilfe
Ohne die Hilfe meiner Kollegin hätte ich den Bericht nicht rechtzeitig fertig bekommen.
Without my colleague's help, I would not have finished the report on time.
In real life
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