A means that is available in order to achieve a goal or handle a task. These can be material goods, financial means, personnel, or also knowledge and time. The more common spelling in German is 'Ressource'.
example
Für dieses komplexe Projekt ist Zeit die knappste Resource.
For this complex project, time is the scarcest resource.
Usage tips
Standard spelling
The spelling 'Resource' is rare. The official and far more common form in German is 'Ressource' with a double s. It is recommended to use this standard spelling.
EXAMPLE
Wir müssen unsere natürlichen Ressourcen besser schützen.
We need to protect our natural resources better.
Typical collocations
The word is often combined with adjectives that describe the type of means. Typical examples are 'menschliche Ressourcen' (human resources/personnel), 'finanzielle Ressourcen' (financial resources/money), and 'natürliche Ressourcen' (natural resources/raw materials).
EXAMPLE
Dem Projekt wurden zusätzliche finanzielle Ressourcen zugewiesen.
Additional financial resources were allocated to the project.
Frequent plural use
Although the singular exists, the word is very often used in the plural ('Ressourcen'). This usually refers to the totality of the means available.
EXAMPLE
Dem Land fehlen die Ressourcen, um die Krise allein zu bewältigen.
The country lacks the resources to manage the crisis on its own.
Compare with
near_synonym · confusable
Resource vs Mittel
remedy / means
'das Mittel' and 'die Resource' can both refer to something you use to achieve a goal. 'das Mittel' more often means a method, an action, or a concrete approach. 'die Resource' more often means something that is available, such as money, time, knowledge, material, or staff. The words can be confusing because both help with solving a task. In practical terms: a 'Mittel' is often the way or method, while a 'Resource' is more what you have and can use for it. The usual spelling in German is 'Ressource'.
Resource
Zeit ist bei diesem Projekt die wichtigste Resource.
Time is the most important resource for this project.
Mittel
Mehr Pausen sind ein gutes Mittel, um konzentrierter zu arbeiten.
More breaks are a good way to work with better concentration.