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
reibungslos
frictionless
Functioning in a physical sense with very little or no friction.
EXAMPLE
Die reibungslose Bewegung der Teile sorgt für eine hohe Effizienz des Motors.
The frictionless movement of the parts ensures high efficiency of the engine.
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 problemlos
trouble-free
Problemlos and reibungslos both describe a process that takes place without difficulties. Problemlos focuses more on the absence of specific problems; reibungslos additionally emphasizes a smooth process without disruptions or interruptions.
reibungslos
Die Anmeldung verlief reibungslos und ohne jede Unterbrechung.
The registration proceeded smoothly and without any interruption.
problemlos
Die Anmeldung war problemlos, weil keine technischen Schwierigkeiten auftraten.
The registration went smoothly because no technical difficulties occurred.
In real life
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