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.
power / output
In physics and technology, the amount of energy that is converted or transferred per unit of time. The unit is often watts or horsepower.
Der neue Motor hat eine Leistung von 200 PS.
The new engine has an output of 200 horsepower.
benefit / service
A payment or service provided by an organization, such as an insurance company or the state. It often refers to contractually or legally guaranteed benefits.
Die Versicherung erbrachte die vereinbarte Leistung nach dem Unfall.
The insurance company provided the agreed benefit after the accident.
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
Arbeit and Leistung can both refer to the result of an activity. Arbeit refers more to the completed task or the resulting work, while Leistung also evaluates how well or how much someone has accomplished. Use Leistung when quality or success is especially important.
Die Leistung des Teams wurde vom Kunden ausdrücklich gelobt.
The client explicitly praised the team’s performance.
Die Arbeit des Teams wurde am Freitag pünktlich abgegeben.
The team submitted its work on time on Friday.
