benefit / good deed
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benefit / comfort
Something that is felt to be very pleasant, soothing, or healing and is good for the body or soul.
Nach dem langen Arbeitstag war das heiße Bad eine echte Wohltat.
After the long workday, the hot bath was a real comfort.
The word consists of 'wohl' (well/good) and 'die Tat' (the deed/action). So a 'Wohltat' (benefit/good deed) is literally a 'good deed' or something that does you good.
Die Spende war eine große Wohltat für die bedürftige Familie.
The donation was a great good deed for the family in need.
The most common meaning refers to a pleasant feeling. If it is about a concrete action to help others (e.g., a donation), the rarer meaning 'gute Tat' (good deed) is meant.
Die kühle Dusche nach dem Sport war eine Wohltat.
The cool shower after exercise was a real comfort.
In the meaning 'angenehmes Gefühl' (pleasant feeling), the word is often intensified with adjectives like 'echt' (real), 'wahr' (true), or 'rein' (pure). The combination 'eine Wohltat für...' (a benefit/comfort for...) is also common.
Nach der anstrengenden Wanderung war die Pause eine wahre Wohltat.
After the exhausting hike, the break was a true comfort.
The meaning 'gute Tat' (good deed) is closely connected to the adjective 'wohltätig' (charitable). A charitable person is someone who often does good, for example through donations.
Die Stiftung ist für ihre wohltätigen Projekte bekannt.
The foundation is known for its charitable projects.
help
'Hilfe' and 'Wohltat' can both be something positive for a person. However, 'Hilfe' directly means that someone is supported or that a problem becomes easier. 'Wohltat' places more emphasis on something being very pleasant, doing you good, or bringing relief. This can be an action, but also a break, warmth, or quiet. In a rarer meaning, 'Wohltat' can also mean a good deed for someone in need. Learners may confuse the words because help is often experienced as a 'Wohltat'. Still, for practical support you usually say 'Hilfe'; 'Wohltat' fits when you want to emphasize the good feeling or soothing effect.
Nach dem langen Arbeitstag ist eine warme Dusche eine echte Wohltat.
After the long workday, a warm shower is a real comfort.
Zur Vorbereitung auf die Prüfung bekommt Tom Hilfe von seiner Schwester.
Tom gets help from his sister to prepare for the exam.