achievement
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achievement
A significant, positive result that has been reached through effort, work, or development and often represents a lasting improvement. This can refer to social, technical, or personal progress.
Die Einführung des Internets ist eine der größten technologischen Errungenschaften des 20. Jahrhunderts.
The introduction of the internet is one of the greatest technological achievements of the 20th century.
The word derives from the verb 'erringen' (to win / to achieve), which means to achieve something through great effort. The root 'ringen' (to wrestle / to struggle) emphasizes that an 'Errungenschaft' (achievement) is the result of a struggle or special effort.
Den Weltmeistertitel zu erringen war das Ziel seiner Karriere.
Winning the world championship title was the goal of his career.
'Errungenschaft' (achievement) is a formal word used mainly in written language or speeches. It describes significant, often historical or social progress, not small everyday successes.
Die allgemeine Schulpflicht war eine wichtige soziale Errungenschaft des 19. Jahrhunderts.
Compulsory education for all was an important social achievement of the 19th century.
This noun is often combined with adjectives that emphasize its meaning. Common combinations are 'eine große/wichtige Errungenschaft' (a great/important achievement) as well as 'technische', 'wissenschaftliche', or 'soziale Errungenschaft' (technical, scientific, or social achievement).
Die Entwicklung von Impfstoffen ist eine der größten wissenschaftlichen Errungenschaften der Neuzeit.
The development of vaccines is one of the greatest scientific achievements of the modern era.
success
'der Erfolg' and 'die Errungenschaft' both describe something positive that someone has achieved. 'Erfolg' is more general and can also be a single good result, for example in an exam, a project, or a sale. 'Errungenschaft' sounds bigger and more significant. It often refers to something that came about through a lot of work and remains important for a long time, for example in technology, society, or personal life. The words can be confused because both have to do with achieving something. A simple rule is: an 'Erfolg' can be small or big; an 'Errungenschaft' feels especially important and lasting.
Das Wahlrecht für Frauen gilt als wichtige Errungenschaft der Demokratie.
Women's right to vote is considered an important achievement of democracy.
Für Lisa ist es schon ein Erfolg, dass sie den ganzen Text verstanden hat.
For Lisa, it is already a success that she understood the whole text.