wertvoll
valuable
Having a high material or financial value; expensive.
EXAMPLE
Sie trägt eine wertvolle Perlenkette, ein Erbstück ihrer Großmutter.
She is wearing a valuable pearl necklace, an heirloom from her grandmother.
wertvoll
valuable
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Meanings
wertvoll
valuable
Being of great importance, usefulness, or significance to someone; highly appreciated.
EXAMPLE
Seine langjährige Erfahrung ist für das Team unglaublich wertvoll.
His many years of experience are incredibly valuable to the team.
Usage tips
Word structure
The adjective 'wertvoll' (valuable) is made up of the noun 'der Wert' (value) and the ending '-voll' (full of). So it literally means 'full of value'.
EXAMPLE
Diese alten Münzen sind sehr wertvoll.
These old coins are very valuable.
Context clue
The meaning depends on the noun. If 'wertvoll' refers to material things like jewelry or art, it means 'expensive'. If it refers to abstract things like advice, experience, or friendship, it means 'useful' or 'important'.
EXAMPLE
Das Museum stellt sehr wertvolle Gemälde aus.
The museum is exhibiting very valuable paintings.
Typical collocations
In its non-material meaning, 'wertvoll' is often combined with abstract nouns. Common examples are 'eine wertvolle Erfahrung' (a valuable experience), 'ein wertvoller Beitrag' (a valuable contribution), 'wertvolle Zeit' (valuable time), or 'ein wertvoller Mitarbeiter' (a valuable employee).
EXAMPLE
Die Zeit mit meiner Familie ist für mich sehr wertvoll.
The time with my family is very valuable to me.
Compare with
wertvoll vs wichtig
important
A contribution is wichtig when it is highly significant for a task or its outcome. Wertvoll is suitable when its usefulness or the special appreciation it receives is the focus. A contribution can therefore be important for success and valuable to those involved at the same time.
wertvoll
Ihr Beitrag war für das Team wertvoll, weil er viele praktische Lösungen enthielt.
Her contribution was valuable to the team because it contained many practical solutions.
wichtig
Ihr Beitrag war für den Erfolg des Projekts wichtig.
Her contribution was important to the project's success.
In real life
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