charitable / beneficial
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charitable
Aimed at helping other people, especially the poor or needy, often through donations or volunteer work.
Sie engagiert sich in einer wohltätigen Organisation für Obdachlose.
She is involved in a charitable organization for homeless people.
beneficial
Having a pleasant, healing, or soothing effect on the body or mind.
Ein warmes Bad nach einem langen Tag ist eine wohltätige Erfahrung.
A warm bath after a long day is a beneficial experience.
The adjective is made up of 'wohl' (good/well) and 'tätig' (being active). So literally, it describes someone or something as being 'active for the good.'
Er spendet regelmäßig für wohltätige Zwecke.
He regularly donates to charitable causes.
The two meanings can be distinguished well. If it is about helping other people (donations, organizations), the social meaning is intended. If it is about a pleasant effect on the body or soul (warmth, peace), the healing meaning is intended.
Viele Künstler treten bei dem wohltätigen Konzert kostenlos auf.
Many artists perform for free at the charity concert.
In the meaning of 'karitativ' (charitable), 'wohltätig' (charitable) often appears with nouns like 'Organisation' (organization), 'Zweck' (cause), 'Verein' (association), or 'Veranstaltung' (event).
Der Erlös des Basars kommt einer wohltätigen Organisation zugute.
The proceeds from the bazaar will benefit a charitable organization.
In the meaning of 'heilsam' (healing) or 'angenehm' (pleasant), 'wohltätig' (beneficial) is often combined with nouns that describe a sensory perception or effect, e.g. 'Wärme' (warmth), 'Ruhe' (peace/quiet), or 'Wirkung' (effect).
Die wohltätige Wärme der Sonne entspannte ihre Muskeln.
The beneficial warmth of the sun relaxed her muscles.
nonprofit / charitable
Gemeinnützig describes an organization or activity that serves the public good and is not aimed at profit; it is often also associated with a special legal or tax status. Wohltätig, by contrast, emphasizes concrete help for poor or needy people. Use gemeinnützig for an organization’s status and wohltätig for charitable actions.
Der Verein organisiert eine wohltätige Aktion für bedürftige Familien.
The organization is organizing a charitable event for families in need.
Der Verein ist gemeinnützig und verwendet seine Einnahmen für soziale Projekte.
The organization is nonprofit and uses its income for social projects.
