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reibungslos
smooth
Proceeding without problems, difficulties, or disruptions.
example
Die Organisation der Veranstaltung verlief absolut reibungslos.
The organization of the event went absolutely smoothly.
reibungslos
smooth
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word composition
The word is a combination of 'die Reibung' (friction), the linking -s, and the ending '-los' (-less), which means 'without.' 'Reibungslos' therefore literally means 'without friction,' which explains both meanings.
EXAMPLE
Dank der guten Vorbereitung verlief die Konferenz reibungslos.
Thanks to the good preparation, the conference went smoothly.
Context clue
The figurative meaning (without problems) is much more common in everyday language. The literal meaning (without physical friction) is found almost only in technical or physics contexts.
EXAMPLE
Der Übergang zur neuen Software verlief reibungslos.
The transition to the new software went smoothly.
Typical collocations
In the figurative meaning, 'reibungslos' (smoothly) is often used with verbs such as 'verlaufen' (to proceed), 'funktionieren' (to function), or 'klappen' (to work out), and nouns such as 'Ablauf' (process), 'Übergang' (transition), or 'Zusammenarbeit' (cooperation).
EXAMPLE
Die Zusammenarbeit im Team funktionierte reibungslos.
The teamwork functioned smoothly.
Compare with
reibungslos vs glatt
smooth / slippery
'glatt' and 'reibungslos' can both mean that something proceeds without problems or disruptions. In this sense, they are often very similar. 'reibungslos' sounds a bit more neutral and fits well with work, technology, organization, or official processes. 'glatt' is a bit more general and can sound more natural in everyday speech. Both words emphasize that nothing important goes wrong.
reibungslos
Die neue Software funktioniert reibungslos, seit das Update installiert ist.
The new software has been working smoothly since the update was installed.
glatt
Die Übergabe der Wohnung ging glatt, weil alle Unterlagen bereitlagen.
The handover of the apartment went smoothly because all the documents were ready.
In real life
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