potential
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potential
Expresses that something is possible or conceivable, but does not yet exist or has not yet happened. It describes an existing possibility or ability.
Jeder Bewerber ist ein potentieller neuer Mitarbeiter für unsere Firma.
Every applicant is a potential new employee for our company.
The adjective 'potentiell' (potential) is closely related to the noun 'das Potential' (potential). Both words describe a possibility or an ability that has not yet been realized.
In diesem jungen Spieler steckt großes Potential.
There is great potential in this young player.
'Potentiell' (potential/potentially) can be used both as an adjective before a noun and as an adverb to describe a verb or adjective. As an adverb, it remains unchanged.
Wir haben eine Liste potentieller Probleme erstellt.
We created a list of potential problems.
'Potentiell' (potential) is often used to point to possible future developments. Common combinations are: 'potentielle Gefahr' (potential danger), 'potentieller Kunde' (potential customer), or 'potentieller Nachfolger' (potential successor).
Jeder Kontakt auf der Messe ist ein potentieller Kunde.
Every contact at the trade fair is a potential customer.
The word 'potentiell' (potential) belongs more to written language or more formal usage. It often sounds more objective and precise than the word 'möglich' (possible).
Die Studie untersucht die potentiellen Auswirkungen des Klimawandels.
The study examines the potential effects of climate change.
possible
Möglich and potentiell both refer to something that can happen or be realized. Möglich describes feasibility in general, while potentiell emphasizes that a possibility or ability already exists but has not yet happened or been realized.
Die Firma spricht mit potentiellen neuen Teammitgliedern.
The company is talking to potential new team members.
Eine Erweiterung des Teams ist im nächsten Jahr möglich.
Expanding the team next year is possible.
