praktisch
practical
Useful and well suited for a particular purpose; functional.
EXAMPLE
Ein Klapptisch ist sehr praktisch für kleine Wohnungen.
A folding table is very practical for small apartments.
praktisch
practical / virtually
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Meanings
praktisch
virtually
Nearly, almost; as good as. Used colloquially as an adverb.
EXAMPLE
Das Projekt ist praktisch fertig, es fehlen nur noch Kleinigkeiten.
The project is virtually finished; only a few small things are still missing.
praktisch
practical
Related to practice or application, as opposed to theory.
EXAMPLE
Sie hat viel praktische Erfahrung in ihrem Beruf gesammelt.
She has gained a lot of practical experience in her profession.
Usage tips
Word family
The adjective 'praktisch' (practical) is closely related to the noun 'die Praxis' (practice). Something is 'praktisch' (practical) if it relates to application in reality or is useful for everyday use.
EXAMPLE
In der Theorie klingt das gut, aber ist es auch praktisch umsetzbar?
In theory that sounds good, but is it also practically feasible?
Adverbial meaning
When 'praktisch' (virtually) does not describe a noun, but stands before another word (adjective, verb, noun), it means 'almost' or 'nearly'. So its position in the sentence changes the meaning completely.
EXAMPLE
Ich bin praktisch fertig, ich brauche nur noch fünf Minuten.
I'm virtually finished; I just need five more minutes.
Register
The meaning 'almost' or 'nearly' is especially common in colloquial speech. In formal or written texts, this use is less common.
EXAMPLE
Wir haben praktisch kein Geld mehr für diesen Monat.
We have virtually no money left for this month.
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'related to practice', 'praktisch' (practical) is often connected with knowledge and learning. Typical combinations are 'praktische Erfahrung' (practical experience), 'eine praktische Prüfung' (a practical exam), or 'praktische Fähigkeiten' (practical skills).
EXAMPLE
Für diesen Job ist praktische Erfahrung wichtiger als ein guter Studienabschluss.
For this job, practical experience is more important than a good university degree.
Compare with
praktisch vs nahezu
almost
“Praktisch” means “so gut wie” (virtually) in colloquial usage and assesses a situation based on the actual circumstances. “Nahezu” neutrally expresses that a measurable state or quantity has almost been reached. “Praktisch” fits a practical assessment, while “nahezu” is more appropriate for a precise approximation.
praktisch
Ohne Einladung ist der Zugang zur Veranstaltung praktisch unmöglich.
Without an invitation, access to the event is virtually impossible.
nahezu
Kurz vor Beginn ist der Saal für die Veranstaltung nahezu voll.
Just before it begins, the event hall is almost full.
In real life
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