decisive / authoritative
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decisive
Being decisive, determining, or guiding for something. Something that is considered a norm, standard, or the most important factor. This is the Swiss spelling of 'maßgebend' (decisive).
Für die Entscheidung des Gerichts war die Aussage des Zeugen massgebend.
The witness's statement was decisive for the court's decision.
The word is made up of 'Mass' (in the sense of standard or norm) and 'gebend' (giving). So it describes something that 'gives' the standard or direction.
Seine Forschungen sind massgebend für die gesamte Branche.
His research is authoritative for the entire industry.
The spelling 'massgebend' with 'ss' is common in Switzerland. In Germany and Austria, the word is written 'maßgebend' with 'ß'.
Für den Vertrag sind die Schweizer Gesetze massgebend.
Swiss laws are decisive for the contract.
'Massgebend' is very often used with the preposition 'für' (for) and the accusative. It expresses what something is decisive or determining for.
Ihre Meinung war massgebend für unsere Planung.
Her opinion was decisive for our planning.
When referring to influential people or works, 'massgebend' is often combined with nouns such as 'Persönlichkeit' (personality), 'Figur' (figure), 'Werk' (work), or 'Stimme' (voice).
Er gilt als eine massgebende Figur in der modernen Architektur.
He is considered an authoritative figure in modern architecture.
decisive / crucial
'entscheidend' and 'massgebend' can both express that something is very important for a decision, a direction, or an outcome. 'entscheidend' is very common throughout the German-speaking world. 'massgebend' is the Swiss spelling of 'maßgebend' and often sounds somewhat more formal. It fits especially when something is considered the most important basis, rule, or point of orientation. In many sentences, you can use both in a similar way, but in everyday language 'entscheidend' usually sounds simpler.
Für die Bewertung ist vor allem die neue Regelung massgebend.
The new regulation is the main deciding factor for the assessment.
Der Arzt sagt, dass die Blutwerte für die Behandlung entscheidend sind.
The doctor says that the blood values are crucial for the treatment.