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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.
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 / significantly
'wesentlich' and 'vital' can both mean that something is very important or decisive. 'wesentlich' is the normal, neutral word for important points, reasons, or conditions. 'vital' is stronger and often means that something is truly necessary for functioning or continued existence. It often sounds more technical or elevated. There is a risk of confusion because 'vital' can be similar to 'wesentlich' in this meaning. But 'vital' also has the meaning 'lively and full of energy' when talking about people; 'wesentlich' does not have this meaning. In everyday language, 'wesentlich' is usually more natural, while 'vital' fits better with very important conditions for life, health, the environment, or a system.
Sauberes Wasser ist für die Gesundheit vital.
Clean water is vital for health.
Für den Kurs ist regelmäßiges Üben wesentlich.
Regular practice is essential for the course.