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.
effective
Effektiv and zielführend overlap because both can describe a successful method. Effektiv generally emphasizes its effectiveness; zielführend explicitly evaluates it in relation to a particular goal. When that goal is clearly stated, zielführend is especially suitable.
Für das konkrete Ziel, die Prüfung am Freitag zu bestehen, ist der neue Lernplan zielführend.
For the specific goal of passing the exam on Friday, the new study plan is effective.
Der neue Lernplan ist effektiv und verbessert die Prüfungsergebnisse deutlich.
The new study plan is effective and significantly improves exam results.
