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Full of life, energy, and drive. Describes a person who is very physically and mentally active and healthy.
Trotz ihres hohen Alters ist meine Großmutter noch sehr vital und reist gerne.
Despite her advanced age, my grandmother is still very vital and likes to travel.
Of decisive or life-sustaining importance for the functioning or continued existence of something.
Die Wasserversorgung ist für die Landwirtschaft in dieser Region von vitaler Bedeutung.
The water supply is of vital importance for agriculture in this region.
You can recognize the meaning of 'vital' from the context. If the word describes a person, it means 'lebenskräftig' (full of life) and 'energiegeladen' (energetic). If it refers to a thing, a plan, or an interest, it means 'lebenswichtig' (vital) or 'entscheidend' (decisive).
Mein Onkel ist mit 80 Jahren noch erstaunlich vital.
My uncle is still amazingly vital at the age of 80.
When 'vital' describes a person, it is often used to express that someone is active despite advanced age. Typical phrases are 'sich vital fühlen' (to feel vital), 'vital bleiben' (to stay vital), or 'ein vitaler Mensch sein' (to be a vital person).
Regelmäßige Bewegung hilft dabei, auch im Alter vital zu bleiben.
Regular exercise helps you stay vital even in old age.
In the meaning 'lebenswichtig' (vital), 'vital' is often part of fixed expressions. Very common formulations are 'von vitaler Bedeutung sein' (to be of vital importance) or 'von vitalem Interesse sein' (to be of vital interest).
Die Sicherheit der Daten ist für unser Unternehmen von vitalem Interesse.
The security of the data is of vital interest to our company.
The meaning 'lebenswichtig' (vital) is used mainly in written language, news, specialist texts, or formal discussions. It is rather rare in everyday conversation.
Die Reform des Gesundheitssystems ist ein vitales Thema für die Regierung.
The reform of the healthcare system is a vital issue for the government.
essential
“Vital” and “essentiell” describe something that is necessary for something to function or continue to exist. “Vital” often emphasizes decisive importance for life or continued existence, while “essentiell” can also describe fundamental requirements of more abstract systems. In many contexts, both are possible.
Eine sichere Wasserversorgung ist für das Überleben der Bevölkerung vital.
A safe water supply is vital to the population’s survival.
Eine klare Aufgabenverteilung ist für das Funktionieren der Organisation essentiell.
A clear division of responsibilities is essential for the organization to function.
