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weitreichend
far-reaching
Something that has major and extensive effects or consequences.
example
Die Digitalisierung hat weitreichende Folgen für die Arbeitswelt.
Digitalization has far-reaching consequences for the world of work.
weitreichend
far-reaching
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word composition
The adjective 'weitreichend' (far-reaching) is made up of 'weit' (far) and 'reichend' (reaching). 'Reichend' is the present participle of the verb 'reichen' (to reach/extend). So the meaning is literally 'reaching far' or 'extending far'.
EXAMPLE
Die Firma plant weitreichende Investitionen in neue Technologien.
The company is planning far-reaching investments in new technologies.
Typical collocations
'Weitreichend' (far-reaching) is almost always combined with abstract nouns that describe an effect or change. Typical collocations are 'weitreichende Folgen' (far-reaching consequences), 'weitreichende Konsequenzen' (far-reaching consequences), 'weitreichende Auswirkungen' (far-reaching effects), and 'eine weitreichende Entscheidung' (a far-reaching decision).
EXAMPLE
Die Schließung der Fabrik hatte weitreichende Konsequenzen für die gesamte Region.
The closure of the factory had far-reaching consequences for the entire region.
Register and style
This adjective belongs more to formal written language. It is often found in news reports, academic texts, and official documents, but rarely in everyday colloquial speech.
EXAMPLE
Die Studie analysiert die weitreichenden Effekte des Klimawandels.
The study analyzes the far-reaching effects of climate change.
Compare with
weitreichend vs weitgehend
largely
'weitgehend' and 'weitreichend' look similar, but they do not mean the same thing. 'weitgehend' describes that something applies to a very large extent or is almost completely that way. 'weitreichend' describes consequences or effects that are major and important. The confusion mainly comes from the shared beginning 'weit-'. For example, you say 'weitgehend erledigt' (largely done), but 'weitreichende Folgen' (far-reaching consequences). A simple memory aid is: 'weitgehend' is about extent, 'weitreichend' is about impact.
weitreichend
Die Entscheidung des Chefs hat weitreichende Folgen für das ganze Team.
The boss's decision has far-reaching consequences for the whole team.
weitgehend
Nach der Pause war Lenas Präsentation weitgehend fertig.
After the break, Lena's presentation was largely finished.
In real life
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