01
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
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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.
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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 fast
almost
'fast' and 'praktisch' can both express that something is almost the case. 'fast' is neutral and very general. 'praktisch' in this meaning means 'virtually' or 'as good as' and sounds more colloquial. It often emphasizes that the small difference hardly matters in everyday life. Learners may confuse the words because both mean 'not quite, but very close to it.' In normal, clear statements, 'fast' is usually the safer choice. 'praktisch' fits well when you want to say: For the situation, it hardly makes any difference.
praktisch
Die Wohnung ist praktisch fertig, nur die Lampen fehlen noch.
The apartment is practically finished; only the lamps are still missing.
fast
Nach dem Training war der Fahrer fast zu müde für den Heimweg.
After the training session, the driver was almost too tired for the trip home.
In real life
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