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.
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
'die Möglichkeit' and 'das Potential' are close in meaning because both describe something that can happen or be achieved. 'Möglichkeit' is used for a concrete opportunity, an option, or available means. 'Potential' refers more to an ability or opportunity that is already present in a person or thing but is not yet fully developed. Learners may confuse the words because 'Potential' is also a kind of possibility. As a simple guide: you can have and directly use a 'Möglichkeit'; 'Potential' can grow and may only become visible later.
Am Wochenende sehen wir das Potential der neuen Idee besonders deutlich.
At the weekend, we can see the potential of the new idea especially clearly.
Der Gast hat nach dem Spiel die Möglichkeit, mit dem Trainer zu sprechen.
After the game, the guest has the opportunity to speak with the coach.