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zufrieden
satisfied
Describing the state in which you are happy with a situation, performance, or result and do not want any change.
example
Der Kunde war mit dem Service sehr zufrieden.
The customer was very satisfied with the service.
zufrieden
satisfied
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
The word is made up of 'zu' and 'Frieden' (peace). So someone who is zufrieden (satisfied) is literally 'at peace' with a situation.
EXAMPLE
Nach einem langen Arbeitstag war er einfach nur zufrieden, zu Hause zu sein.
After a long workday, he was simply satisfied to be at home.
Fixed preposition
The adjective 'zufrieden' (satisfied) is almost always used with the preposition 'mit' (with) and the dative to express what you are satisfied with.
EXAMPLE
Ich bin mit meiner neuen Wohnung sehr zufrieden.
I am very satisfied with my new apartment.
Adverbial use
'Zufrieden' (satisfied) can also be used as an adverb to describe a verb. It then expresses that an action is carried out in a satisfied state.
EXAMPLE
Er lehnte sich zufrieden zurück und schloss die Augen.
He leaned back contentedly and closed his eyes.
Fixed expression
The expression 'jemanden zufrieden lassen' (to leave someone alone) means to leave a person in peace. The person who is to be left in peace is in the accusative.
EXAMPLE
Er wollte über das Thema nicht mehr reden, also ließ ich ihn zufrieden.
He didn't want to talk about the topic anymore, so I left him alone.
Compare with
zufrieden vs glücklich
happy / lucky
'glücklich' and 'zufrieden' both describe a positive state. 'glücklich' refers more to joy and a warm, strong feeling. 'zufrieden' means that something is okay and you do not want it to change. It fits well with results, performance, work, or a situation. Learners confuse the words because satisfaction is often part of happiness. But 'zufrieden' is calmer and more matter-of-fact; 'glücklich' is more emotional and stronger.
zufrieden
Tom ist mit seiner Note zufrieden, obwohl er noch kleine Fehler gemacht hat.
Tom is satisfied with his grade, even though he still made small mistakes.
glücklich
Sie ist glücklich, weil ihre Familie gesund ist.
She is happy because her family is healthy.
In real life
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