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.
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.
social
'sozial' and 'wohltätig' can both mean that people help others. But 'sozial' is broader. It fits topics such as justice, support, living together, or help for disadvantaged people. 'wohltätig' is narrower and usually means concrete help, for example donations, fundraising campaigns, or volunteer work for people in need. Learners may confuse the words because both sound positive and have to do with helping. When it is about a social attitude or policy, 'sozial' is more natural. When it is about a donation or an aid campaign, 'wohltätig' is more precise.
Nach dem Essen hat sie Kleidung für eine wohltätige Organisation sortiert.
After dinner, she sorted clothes for a charitable organization.
Karim findet es wichtig, dass die Firma soziale Projekte in der Stadt unterstützt.
Karim thinks it is important that the company supports social projects in the city.