01
nützlich
useful
Helpful, advantageous, or well suited and applicable for a particular purpose.
example
Ein Taschenmesser kann auf einer Wanderung sehr nützlich sein.
A pocketknife can be very useful on a hike.
nützlich
useful
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word family
'Nützlich' (useful) belongs to the word family of 'der Nutzen' (benefit, use) and the verb 'nutzen' (to use). Something is 'nützlich' (useful) if you can use it well or if it has a benefit.
EXAMPLE
Diese App hat viele nützliche Funktionen.
This app has many useful features.
Correct preposition
The adjective 'nützlich' (useful) is very often used with the preposition 'für' + accusative to name the purpose or person for whom something is helpful.
EXAMPLE
Ein gutes Wörterbuch ist sehr nützlich für Deutschlernende.
A good dictionary is very useful for German learners.
Typical collocations
Common combinations are 'ein nützlicher Tipp' (a useful tip), 'ein nützliches Werkzeug' (a useful tool), or 'ein nützlicher Hinweis' (a useful piece of information). The expression 'sich nützlich machen' (to make oneself useful) is also common.
EXAMPLE
Danke, das war ein sehr nützlicher Hinweis!
Thanks, that was a very useful piece of information!
Compare with
nützlich vs praktisch
practical / virtually
'praktisch' and 'nützlich' are close in meaning because both say something positive about usefulness. 'nützlich' mainly means that something helps or brings an advantage. 'praktisch' often also means that something is easy to use or requires little effort in everyday life. A tip can be 'nützlich' because it helps. A bag is 'praktisch' if it is well organized and easy to use.
nützlich
Die Liste mit neuen Wörtern war für die Prüfung sehr nützlich.
The list of new words was very useful for the exam.
praktisch
Ein Rucksack mit vielen Fächern ist auf Reisen besonders praktisch.
A backpack with many compartments is especially practical when traveling.
In real life
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