satisfactory
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satisfactory
Good enough to meet requirements or expectations, but not necessarily outstanding or excellent. Often corresponds to the school grade 'befriedigend' (satisfactory).
Das Ergebnis des Projekts war zufriedenstellend, auch wenn es noch Verbesserungspotenzial gibt.
The result of the project was satisfactory, even though there is still room for improvement.
The word is the present participle of the verb 'zufriedenstellen' (to satisfy). This verb is made up of 'zufrieden' (satisfied) and 'stellen' (to place/put). So 'zufriedenstellend' literally means something that 'makes satisfied.'
Er hat eine zufriedenstellende Lösung für das Problem gefunden.
He found a satisfactory solution to the problem.
'Zufriedenstellend' (satisfactory) is often used in formal evaluations (work, school). It is a neutral to slightly detached assessment and means 'okay, but not excellent.'
Ihre Arbeitsleistung im letzten Quartal war zufriedenstellend.
Her work performance in the last quarter was satisfactory.
The word can also be used as an adverb to describe a verb. In this case, the form remains unchanged.
Die Mannschaft hat die Aufgabe zufriedenstellend erledigt.
The team completed the task satisfactorily.
satisfied
'zufrieden' and 'zufriedenstellend' sound similar and both have to do with satisfaction. However, 'zufrieden' usually describes a person's feeling: you are happy with something and do not want any change. 'Zufriedenstellend' more often describes a result, performance, or solution. It means: good enough to meet expectations, but not necessarily very good. Learners may confuse the words because both seem positive. The important point is: people are 'zufrieden'; results are 'zufriedenstellend'.
Das Ergebnis der Reparatur ist zufriedenstellend, auch wenn es nicht perfekt ist.
The result of the repair is satisfactory, even if it is not perfect.
Wir sind mit dem neuen Plan zufrieden.
We are satisfied with the new plan.