profound
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profound
Having a very strong, comprehensive, and lasting effect on something. It describes changes or influences that reach down to the foundations or roots of a system.
Die Digitalisierung hat zu tiefgreifenden Veränderungen in der Arbeitswelt geführt.
Digitalization has led to profound changes in the world of work.
The word is composed of 'tief' (deep) and 'greifend' (the present participle of 'greifen', to grasp). Figuratively, it describes something that 'tief in eine Sache eingreift' (intervenes deeply in something) and changes it at the root.
Diese Erfahrung war ein tiefgreifendes Erlebnis für ihn.
This experience was a profound event for him.
You can use 'tiefgreifend' (profound) as an adjective before a noun or as an adverb to describe a verb. Both uses emphasize the strength and extent of an effect.
Die Erfindung des Internets war eine tiefgreifende Veränderung.
The invention of the internet was a profound change.
'Tiefgreifend' (profound) is often used to describe large and important processes. Common combinations are: 'tiefgreifende Veränderungen' (profound changes), 'ein tiefgreifender Wandel' (a profound transformation), 'tiefgreifende Auswirkungen' (profound effects), or 'tiefgreifende Reformen' (profound reforms).
Die politische Entscheidung hatte tiefgreifende Auswirkungen auf die Gesellschaft.
The political decision had profound effects on society.
sustainable / lasting
Nachhaltig and tiefgreifend can both describe a major change. Nachhaltig particularly emphasizes that its effects last a long time. Tiefgreifend emphasizes that the change is comprehensive and reaches down to the foundations. Use nachhaltig for lasting effects and tiefgreifend for the change’s broad scope.
Die Reform veränderte die Zusammenarbeit im Betrieb tiefgreifend und ordnete alle Zuständigkeiten neu.
The reform profoundly changed cooperation within the company and reorganized all responsibilities.
Die Reform verbesserte die Zusammenarbeit im Betrieb nachhaltig.
The reform had a lasting effect on cooperation within the company.
