hilfsbereit
helpful
The quality of gladly and willingly helping other people.
EXAMPLE
Als mein Auto eine Panne hatte, hielt sofort ein sehr hilfsbereiter Fahrer an.
When my car broke down, a very helpful driver stopped right away.
hilfsbereit
helpful
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word composition
The word is a compound of 'Hilfe' (help) and 'bereit' (ready). So it literally describes a person who is 'bereit zur Hilfe' (ready to help).
EXAMPLE
Sie ist immer sehr hilfsbereit, wenn jemand eine Frage hat.
She is always very helpful when someone has a question.
Typical usage
The adjective 'hilfsbereit' (helpful) is almost always used to describe people. Typical combinations are 'ein hilfsbereiter Mensch' (a helpful person), 'eine hilfsbereite Kollegin' (a helpful female colleague), or 'hilfsbereite Nachbarn' (helpful neighbors).
EXAMPLE
Meine neuen Nachbarn sind unglaublich hilfsbereit.
My new neighbors are incredibly helpful.
Use as an adverb
Besides being used as an adjective before a noun or with 'sein' (to be), 'hilfsbereit' (helpful) can also be used as an adverb to describe the manner of an action.
EXAMPLE
Er hat mir hilfsbereit den Weg zum Bahnhof erklärt.
He helpfully explained the way to the train station to me.
Compare with
hilfsbereit vs freundlich
friendly
Freundlich describes kind and warm behavior without requiring the person to help in any specific way. Hilfsbereit emphasizes a willingness to actually offer help or support others. Use freundlich for a pleasant interaction and hilfsbereit for active support.
hilfsbereit
Die Nachbarin trug meine schweren Taschen hilfsbereit nach oben.
The neighbor helpfully carried my heavy bags upstairs.
freundlich
Die Nachbarin grüßte mich im Treppenhaus freundlich.
The neighbor greeted me warmly in the stairwell.
In real life
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