performance / output / benefit
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performance
The result or quality of work, an effort, or a process. It describes how well or how much someone or something has accomplished.
Ihre schulischen Leistungen haben sich in diesem Jahr stark verbessert.
Her academic performance has improved greatly this year.
The noun 'Leistung' (performance/output/benefit) is derived from the verb 'leisten' (to accomplish/provide), which means 'to manage something' or 'to achieve something'. The ending '-ung' is a typical way in German to turn verbs into nouns.
Er hat in seinem Leben viel geleistet.
He has achieved a lot in his life.
The context reveals the meaning: In connection with school, work, or sports, it refers to the result or performance. Technical data such as horsepower or watts point to physical power or output. If it is about money or services from the state or an insurance company, it refers to a financial benefit.
Die sportliche Leistung des Teams war beeindruckend.
The team's athletic performance was impressive.
In the sense of 'Arbeitsergebnis' (work result), 'Leistung' (performance) is often used with the verbs 'erbringen' (to deliver/provide), 'steigern' (to increase), or 'anerkennen' (to recognize).
Alle Mitarbeiter müssen eine konstante Leistung erbringen.
All employees must deliver consistent performance.
In technical contexts, power is often given with the preposition 'von' (of) and a unit of measurement such as 'PS' (horsepower), 'Watt' (watt), or 'Kilowatt (kW)' (kilowatt).
Das Auto hat eine Leistung von 150 PS.
The car has an output of 150 horsepower.
When it comes to payments, people often speak of 'sozialen Leistungen' (social benefits), 'gesetzlichen Leistungen' (statutory benefits), or 'vertraglichen Leistungen' (contractual benefits). Typical verbs here are 'beziehen' (to receive), 'erhalten' (to receive), or 'kürzen' (to cut/reduce).
Viele Familien haben Anspruch auf staatliche Leistungen.
Many families are entitled to state benefits.
work
'die Arbeit' and 'die Leistung' are both connected to effort and results. 'die Arbeit' refers more to the activity or effort that someone puts in. 'die Leistung' refers more to what comes out of it or how well someone has accomplished something. Learners may confuse the words because good performance often requires a lot of work. But you evaluate a performance, while you do or have work. Memory tip: work is the effort; performance is the result or the quality.
Die Trainerin lobt die Leistung der Mannschaft nach dem Spiel.
The coach praises the team's performance after the game.
Für die Prüfung steckt viel Arbeit in seinen Notizen.
A lot of work went into his notes for the exam.