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 describes a change that has been carried out or implemented to a very large extent. Weitreichend, by contrast, refers to its broad scope or significant consequences. Weitgehend is appropriate for the degree of implementation, while weitreichend is appropriate for the significance of the effects.
weitreichend
Die Änderung hat weitreichende Folgen für alle Abteilungen.
The change has far-reaching consequences for all departments.
weitgehend
Die Änderung ist weitgehend umgesetzt, nur ein letzter Schritt fehlt noch.
The change has been largely implemented; only one final step is still missing.
In real life
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