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
die Erleichterung
relief
A measure or circumstance that makes a task, process, or situation easier or less burdensome.
EXAMPLE
Die neue Software ist eine enorme Erleichterung für unsere tägliche Arbeit.
The new software is an enormous relief for our daily work.
die Erleichterung
relief
A financial or material benefit, often in the form of reduced taxes or fees.
EXAMPLE
Die Regierung hat steuerliche Erleichterungen für Familien beschlossen.
The government has approved tax relief for families.
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 Befreiung
liberation / release
Both can express the positive feeling that comes after a burden has ended. Erleichterung directly names this relaxed feeling; Befreiung sounds stronger and also emphasizes that the burdensome situation has ended. For simply describing the feeling, Erleichterung is usually the better choice.
Erleichterung
Als die Sorge endlich vorbei war, spürte sie große Erleichterung.
When the worry was finally over, she felt great relief.
Befreiung
Als die Sorge endlich vorbei war, empfand sie die Nachricht als Befreiung.
When the worry was finally over, she experienced the news as a release.
In real life
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