potential
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potential
The existing but not yet fully developed ability or possibility of a person or thing to develop or be successful.
Die junge Sportlerin hat großes Potential, eine Weltmeisterin zu werden.
The young athlete has great potential to become a world champion.
potential
In physics, a scalar quantity that describes the ability of a force field to do work on a body or a charge.
Im Unterricht haben wir das elektrische Potential einer Punktladung berechnet.
In class, we calculated the electric potential of a point charge.
Do not confuse the noun 'das Potential' (potential) with the adjective 'potenziell' (potential). If you are describing a quality, you must use the adjective.
Das ist ein potenzieller Kunde für unsere Firma.
That is a potential customer for our company.
You can recognize the physics meaning from technical terms such as 'elektrisch' (electric), 'Gravitationsfeld' (gravitational field), or 'Ladung' (charge). In all other cases, especially when it is about people, abilities, or opportunities, the general meaning is meant.
Dieses Projekt hat enormes wirtschaftliches Potential.
This project has enormous economic potential.
'Potential' is very often used with the verb 'haben' (to have). Other typical verbs are 'ausschöpfen' (to realize fully), 'nutzen' (to use), 'erkennen' (to recognize), or 'entfalten' (to develop).
Du musst dein volles Potential ausschöpfen, um erfolgreich zu sein.
You have to realize your full potential in order to be successful.
To express strength or extent, 'Potential' is often combined with adjectives such as 'groß' (great), 'enorm' (enormous), 'riesig' (huge), or 'verborgen' (hidden).
In dem alten Haus steckt noch viel verborgenes Potential.
There is still a lot of hidden potential in the old house.
This meaning is a purely technical term from physics. Outside science lessons or university studies, you will hardly hear or read this term.
Das Potential eines Feldes wird in der Einheit Volt gemessen.
The potential of a field is measured in the unit volt.
possibility
Möglichkeit refers to an existing opportunity to achieve something. Potential, on the other hand, means an ability that is already present but not yet fully developed. External opportunities create a Möglichkeit; existing abilities show Potential.
Durch ihr großes musikalisches Talent hat Mara das Potential, eine sehr gute Pianistin zu werden.
Her great musical talent gives Mara the potential to become a very good pianist.
Durch den täglichen Unterricht hat Mara die Möglichkeit, eine sehr gute Pianistin zu werden.
Daily lessons give Mara the opportunity to become a very good pianist.
