social / societal
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societal
Relating to society as a whole, that is, the structure of society and the way people live together.
Armut ist ein großes gesellschaftliches Problem in vielen Ländern.
Poverty is a major societal problem in many countries.
social
Relating to being together with other people in one's free time or at more formal occasions.
Er ist ein sehr zurückhaltender Mensch und meidet große gesellschaftliche Ereignisse.
He is a very reserved person and avoids large social events.
The adjective 'gesellschaftlich' (social/societal) is derived directly from the noun 'die Gesellschaft' (society/company). It takes on its double meaning: it can refer both to society as a whole (state, people) and to a smaller group of people at an event.
Die Digitalisierung verändert unsere Gesellschaft tiefgreifend.
Digitalization is profoundly changing our society.
You can recognize the meaning from the context. If it is about large, abstract topics such as politics, economics, or culture, society as a whole is meant. If it is about parties, meetings, or people's behavior, it refers to being together with others.
Bildung ist eine wichtige gesellschaftliche Aufgabe. (Thema: Gesellschaft)
Education is an important societal task. (Topic: society)
When referring to society as a whole, 'gesellschaftlich' (societal) is often combined with abstract nouns. Typical examples are 'gesellschaftlicher Wandel' (societal change), 'gesellschaftliche Verantwortung' (social responsibility), 'gesellschaftliche Normen' (social norms), or 'gesellschaftliches Engagement' (social commitment).
Der Klimawandel erfordert einen tiefen gesellschaftlichen Wandel.
Climate change requires profound societal change.
social
Both sozial and gesellschaftlich can relate to people living together in society. gesellschaftlich focuses more strongly on society as a whole and its structures. sozial is also used for specific living conditions or support for disadvantaged people; gesellschaftlich is often more precise for general changes affecting society as a whole.
Die Alterung der Bevölkerung führt zu großen gesellschaftlichen Veränderungen.
The aging population is leading to major societal changes.
Die Stadt plant soziale Hilfen für Familien mit wenig Geld.
The city is planning social assistance for low-income families.
