wholesome / full-fledged
Loading your saved state.
wholesome
Having all necessary or usual properties, parts, or qualities; complete and unrestricted. Often used in connection with nutrition to describe a balanced and healthy diet.
Eine vollwertige Ernährung ist wichtig für die Gesundheit.
A wholesome diet is important for health.
The adjective is made up of 'voll' (full) and 'wertig' (from 'Wert' — value). So it literally means that something has 'full value', meaning it is complete and of high quality.
Dieses Zertifikat macht den Kurs zu einer vollwertigen Berufsausbildung.
This certificate makes the course a full-fledged vocational training program.
The context makes the meaning clear: If it is about food or food products, the meaning is 'healthy and balanced'. If it is about people, memberships, or abstract things, it means 'equipped with all rights and qualities'.
Zum Frühstück esse ich gerne ein vollwertiges Müsli.
For breakfast, I like to eat a wholesome muesli.
In the context of nutrition, 'vollwertig' (wholesome) is often combined with nouns such as 'Ernährung' (nutrition/diet), 'Mahlzeit' (meal), 'Kost' (diet/food), or 'Lebensmittel' (food/food products).
Eine vollwertige Mahlzeit sollte Kohlenhydrate, Proteine und Vitamine enthalten.
A wholesome meal should contain carbohydrates, proteins, and vitamins.
When it is about status, 'vollwertig' (full-fledged) often appears before nouns such as 'Mitglied' (member), 'Teil' (part of a group), 'Mitarbeiter' (employee), or 'Ersatz' (replacement/substitute).
Das neue Teammitglied ist noch in der Probezeit und daher noch kein vollwertiger Mitarbeiter.
The new team member is still in the probationary period and therefore is not yet a full-fledged employee.
correct / right
'richtig' and 'vollwertig' can both express that something is not just a weak or incomplete form. 'richtig' is more general and often colloquial: 'ein richtiges Essen' (a proper meal), 'ein richtiger Urlaub' (a proper vacation), or 'ein richtiges Bett' (a proper bed). 'vollwertig' emphasizes more strongly that all important qualities, parts, or rights are present. It fits especially with nutrition, substitute solutions, or membership. 'richtig' sounds more personal and relaxed, while 'vollwertig' is more precise and somewhat more factual.
Der Salat mit Brot und Käse ist für mich eine vollwertige Mahlzeit.
For me, the salad with bread and cheese is a complete meal.
Nach dem langen Termin möchte sie ein richtiges Abendessen kochen.
After the long appointment, she wants to cook a proper dinner.