effective
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effective
Describes an action, method, or proposal that is suitable for effectively achieving a particular goal; productive or solution-oriented.
Eine endlose Diskussion ohne Ergebnis ist nicht zielführend.
An endless discussion without a result is not effective.
The word is made up of 'Ziel' (goal) and 'führend' (the present participle of 'führen' (to lead)). A 'zielführende' (effective) action is therefore one that literally 'leads to the goal'.
Wir brauchen einen zielführenden Plan, um das Projekt abzuschließen.
We need an effective plan to complete the project.
'Zielführend' (effective) belongs to formal language and is used very frequently in professional life, academia, or politics. You hear it less often in everyday colloquial speech.
Lassen Sie uns bitte auf die zielführenden Aspekte des Themas konzentrieren.
Please let us focus on the effective aspects of the topic.
The word is used especially often in its negative form: 'nicht zielführend' (not effective). This is used to criticize the fact that an action, discussion, or proposal is unproductive and does not contribute to a solution.
Stundenlang über das Problem zu reden, ohne eine Lösung zu suchen, ist nicht zielführend.
Talking about the problem for hours without looking for a solution is not effective.
The adjective often describes abstract nouns such as 'Vorschlag' (proposal), 'Maßnahme' (measure), 'Diskussion' (discussion), 'Lösung' (solution), or 'Ansatz' (approach).
Das war ein sehr zielführender Vorschlag von Ihnen.
That was a very effective proposal from you.
suitable
'geeignet' and 'zielführend' both have to do with a suitable means for a purpose. 'geeignet' generally says that something fits a task or situation. 'zielführend' is narrower: it mainly describes an action, method, or idea that really helps achieve a goal. A person or a room can be 'geeignet', but not 'zielführend'. 'zielführend' sounds especially natural when talking about solutions, conversations, plans, or strategies.
Bei der Bewerbung ist es zielführend, konkrete Beispiele für die eigene Erfahrung zu nennen.
When applying for a job, it is effective to give concrete examples of your own experience.
Diese App ist zum Üben von Vokabeln gut geeignet.
This app is well suited for practicing vocabulary.