makeshift / inadequate
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makeshift
Describes something that was done only as a temporary fix, provisionally, or just adequately, often due to a lack of time, material, or resources.
Nach dem Sturm wurde das kaputte Fenster nur notdürftig mit einer Plane abgedeckt.
After the storm, the broken window was only covered with a tarp as a makeshift solution.
The word is made up of 'Not' (emergency situation, lack) and 'dürftig' (poor, inadequate). So it describes something that covers only the bare essentials in a situation of shortage.
Sie lebten in einer dürftigen Hütte ohne Strom und Wasser.
They lived in a poor hut without electricity or water.
'Notdürftig' (makeshift/inadequate) can stand before a noun as an adjective or be used as an adverb describing a verb. As an adverb, it answers the question 'How was something done?'
Das war nur eine notdürftige Lösung des Problems.
That was only a makeshift solution to the problem.
The word is often used with verbs of repairing or providing care/supplies. Typical combinations are 'notdürftig reparieren' (to repair in a makeshift way), 'notdürftig flicken' (to patch up in a makeshift way), 'notdürftig versorgen' (to provide/care for inadequately), or 'notdürftig einrichten' (to furnish/set up provisionally).
Das Zelt war nur notdürftig gegen den Regen geschützt.
The tent had only makeshift protection against the rain.
temporary / provisional
Vorläufig and notdürftig can both describe a temporary solution. Vorläufig only says that it is limited in time and not final. Notdürftig emphasizes that it was made as a makeshift solution and is just adequate because of a lack of time, materials, or resources.
Die Familie lebt nach dem Brand in einer notdürftig eingerichteten Unterkunft.
After the fire, the family is living in makeshift accommodation.
Die Familie lebt bis zum Ende der Renovierung in einer vorläufigen Unterkunft.
The family is living in temporary accommodation until the renovations are finished.
