Correct, fitting, or valid for a particular situation or person. It describes a statement or description that corresponds to the truth.
example
Das ist eine sehr zutreffende Beschreibung seiner Persönlichkeit.
That is a very accurate description of his personality.
Usage tips
Word structure
'Zutreffend' (accurate / applicable) is the present participle of the separable verb 'zutreffen' (to apply / to be correct). This verb means that something is correct or applicable. Literally, 'trifft es zu' (it applies / it is true).
EXAMPLE
Diese Kritik trifft auf viele Bereiche des Unternehmens zu.
This criticism applies to many areas of the company.
Typical collocations
The adjective is often used to evaluate the accuracy of information. Common combinations are 'eine zutreffende Beschreibung' (an accurate description), 'eine zutreffende Analyse' (an accurate analysis), or 'eine zutreffende Bemerkung' (an accurate remark).
EXAMPLE
Das ist eine sehr zutreffende Analyse der aktuellen Situation.
That is a very accurate analysis of the current situation.
Use with 'für'
If you want to limit the area of validity, 'zutreffend' (applicable) is often combined with the preposition 'für' (for) and the accusative.
EXAMPLE
Diese Aussage ist nicht für alle Mitarbeiter zutreffend.
This statement is not applicable to all employees.
Register and style
'Zutreffend' (accurate / applicable) is somewhat more formal than 'richtig' (correct). It emphasizes not only correctness, but also how well a statement fits a particular situation.
EXAMPLE
Bitte kreuzen Sie die zutreffende Antwort an.
Please check the applicable answer.
Compare with
near_synonym
zutreffend vs recht
right / quite
'recht' and 'zutreffend' can both mean that something is correct. 'zutreffend' is used especially for statements, descriptions, or information that match reality or a situation exactly. It sounds somewhat more factual. 'recht' is more general and often appears in expressions like 'recht haben' (to be right). When you are judging a description, a report, or a piece of information, 'zutreffend' is usually more precise. When it is about a person's opinion, 'recht haben' sounds more natural.
zutreffend
Die Beschreibung des Unfalls war kurz, aber zutreffend.
The description of the accident was brief but accurate.