excellence
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excellence
A state of outstanding quality, merit, or superiority. The term is often used in the context of business, science, and marketing.
Die Universität wurde für ihre Excellence in der Forschung ausgezeichnet.
The university was recognized for its excellence in research.
'Excellence' is a loanword from English and French. It is used almost only in formal contexts such as science, business, or marketing to emphasize outstanding quality.
Das Unternehmen wirbt mit der Excellence seiner Dienstleistungen.
The company advertises the excellence of its services.
In the academic and political sphere, the word is part of fixed terms such as 'Exzellenzinitiative' (Excellence Initiative), 'Exzellenzstrategie' (Excellence Strategy), or 'Exzellenzcluster' (Cluster of Excellence).
Die Forschungsgruppe bewirbt sich um die Förderung als Exzellenzcluster.
The research group is applying for funding as a Cluster of Excellence.
The word is usually pronounced in a French or English way. The feminine gender 'die Excellence' derives from the French 'l'excellence' (feminine).
Die Jury lobte die technische Excellence des neuen Produkts.
The jury praised the technical excellence of the new product.
quality
'die Qualität' and 'die Excellence' both talk about how good something is. 'die Qualität' is the normal everyday word and can be good, average, or poor. For example, people talk about the quality of a product or a piece of work. 'die Excellence', on the other hand, means especially high, outstanding quality. The word sounds much more formal and is used more in business, science, or advertising. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with merit or quality. In practice: 'Qualität' fits most situations, while 'Excellence' is more appropriate for a very high standard or an official goal.
Das Forschungszentrum wirbt mit Excellence in Medizin und Technik.
The research center advertises excellence in medicine and technology.
Die Qualität des neuen Sofas ist besser, als ich erwartet habe.
The quality of the new sofa is better than I expected.