01
hilfreich
helpful
Useful and supportive; contributing to solving a problem or improving a situation.
example
Deine Ratschläge waren wirklich sehr hilfreich für meine Entscheidung.
Your advice was really very helpful for my decision.
hilfreich
helpful
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word composition
The adjective 'hilfreich' (helpful) is made up of the noun 'die Hilfe' (help) and the suffix '-reich' (rich in). It literally means 'rich in help.'
EXAMPLE
Vielen Dank, das war eine sehr hilfreiche Erklärung.
Thank you very much, that was a very helpful explanation.
Sentence structure with prepositions
'Hilfreich' (helpful) is often used with the prepositions 'für' (+ accusative) or 'bei' (+ dative). 'Hilfreich für' describes who or what something is useful for, while 'hilfreich bei' names the situation or task.
EXAMPLE
Diese App ist hilfreich für das Sprachenlernen.
This app is helpful for language learning.
Sentence structure with infinitive
A very common construction is 'Es ist hilfreich, ... zu + infinitive' (It is helpful to ...). This can be used to describe a helpful action.
EXAMPLE
Es ist hilfreich, vor einer Reise das Wetter zu prüfen.
It is helpful to check the weather before a trip.
Compare with
hilfreich vs praktisch
practical / virtually
'praktisch' and 'hilfreich' both describe something positive that has a use. 'praktisch' tends to mean that something works well in everyday life or is easy to use. 'hilfreich' more strongly means that something provides support with a problem or improves a situation. The words can be confused because a practical object is often helpful too. For things, solutions, or tools, 'praktisch' sounds very natural. For tips, explanations, or support, 'hilfreich' is often more precise.
hilfreich
Der Hinweis der Kollegin war sehr hilfreich für die Vorbereitung auf das Gespräch.
My colleague's tip was very helpful for preparing for the conversation.
praktisch
Diese kleine Tasche ist praktisch, weil mein Handy und meine Schlüssel hineinpassen.
This small bag is practical because my phone and keys fit inside.
In real life
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