profitable
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profitable
Producing a financial gain or profit. Describes a business, investment, or activity that brings in more money than it costs.
Nach zwei schwierigen Jahren wurde das junge Unternehmen endlich profitabel.
After two difficult years, the young company finally became profitable.
'Profitabel' (profitable) belongs to the word family of 'der Profit' (profit). The ending '-abel' means 'capable' or 'able to'. Something that is profitable is therefore able to generate profit.
Die Investition erwies sich als sehr profitabel.
The investment proved to be very profitable.
Whether the financial or the figurative meaning is intended can be recognized from the noun. A 'profitables Geschäft' (profitable business) brings money; a 'profitable Erfahrung' (beneficial experience) brings knowledge or personal benefit.
Er sucht nach einem profitablen Geschäftsmodell für sein Startup.
He is looking for a profitable business model for his start-up.
In an economic context, 'profitabel' (profitable) is often combined with verbs such as 'arbeiten' (to operate), 'wirtschaften' (to manage economically), or 'werden' (to become). People also speak of a 'profitables Unternehmen' (profitable company) or a 'profitable Investition' (profitable investment).
Das Ziel ist, dass die neue Abteilung innerhalb eines Jahres profitabel arbeitet.
The goal is for the new department to operate profitably within a year.
economic / economical
'wirtschaftlich' and 'profitabel' can both describe something as worthwhile. 'profitabel' is more precise when something produces a profit, meaning it brings in more money than it costs. It can also be used figuratively to mean that something brings a clear benefit. 'wirtschaftlich' is more general: it can mean that something is frugal, cost-effective, or sensibly organized, even if no direct profit is made. Learners confuse the words because both sound positive. The important point is: 'profitabel' emphasizes profit, while 'wirtschaftlich' emphasizes a good balance between cost, effort, and benefit.
Der neue Online-Shop war schon nach wenigen Monaten profitabel.
The new online shop was profitable after just a few months.
Der Verein nutzt den Raum nur am Abend, weil das für ihn wirtschaftlicher ist.
The club uses the room only in the evening because that is more economical for them.