sozial
social
Relates to society, people living together, and the structures of a community.
EXAMPLE
Arbeitslosigkeit ist ein großes soziales Problem.
Unemployment is a major social problem.
sozial
social
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Meanings
sozial
social
Focused on the welfare of the general public and supporting disadvantaged people.
EXAMPLE
Sie engagiert sich ehrenamtlich in einem sozialen Projekt für Kinder.
She volunteers in a social project for children.
sozial
social / sociable
The quality of enjoying being with other people and maintaining contacts; sociable.
EXAMPLE
Mein neuer Kollege ist ein sehr sozialer Mensch und kommt mit allen gut aus.
My new colleague is a very sociable person and gets along well with everyone.
Usage tips
Word family
The word 'sozial' (social) is the basis for many important nouns in German that relate to society. If you see 'sozial-' at the beginning of a word, it often has to do with community, the state, or help for people.
EXAMPLE
Der Sozialstaat sichert die Bürger bei Krankheit und Arbeitslosigkeit ab.
The welfare state protects citizens in cases of illness and unemployment.
Typical collocations
In the context of society and politics, 'sozial' (social) is often used in fixed terms. Common combinations are 'soziale Gerechtigkeit' (social justice), 'soziale Medien' (social media), 'soziales Netzwerk' (social network), and 'soziale Marktwirtschaft' (social market economy).
EXAMPLE
Soziale Netzwerke haben die Art, wie wir kommunizieren, stark verändert.
Social networks have greatly changed the way we communicate.
Typical collocations
When it is about help and commitment to others, you will find 'sozial' (social) in combinations such as 'soziales Engagement' (social commitment), 'ein freiwilliges soziales Jahr' (a voluntary social year), or 'eine soziale Einrichtung' (a social institution).
EXAMPLE
Viele junge Leute machen nach der Schule ein freiwilliges soziales Jahr.
Many young people do a voluntary social year after school.
Context clue
When 'sozial' (social/sociable) describes a person, it means that this person likes being around people and easily makes contacts. In this case, it is usually used with the verb 'sein' (to be).
EXAMPLE
Er ist ein sehr sozialer Typ und immer für einen Spaß zu haben.
He is a very sociable guy and is always up for a laugh.
Compare with
sozial vs gesellschaftlich
social / societal
Both sozial and gesellschaftlich can relate to people living together in society. gesellschaftlich focuses more strongly on society as a whole and its structures. sozial is also used for specific living conditions or support for disadvantaged people; gesellschaftlich is often more precise for general changes affecting society as a whole.
sozial
Die Stadt plant soziale Hilfen für Familien mit wenig Geld.
The city is planning social assistance for low-income families.
gesellschaftlich
Die Alterung der Bevölkerung führt zu großen gesellschaftlichen Veränderungen.
The aging population is leading to major societal changes.
In real life
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