adjective
successful
B1
Erfolgreich means 'successful'. It is gradable: comparative erfolgreicher, superlative am erfolgreichsten. Opposite is erfolglos. Used both attributively and predicatively—Der erfolgreiche Student / Er ist erfolgreich. Not a participle; common in spoken and written contexts to describe achievements, and results.
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Sie ist sehr erfolgreich in ihrem Beruf.
She is very successful in her career.
Obwohl das Team erfolgreich war, blieb die Abteilung vorsichtig, weil die Finanzierung unsicher blieb.
Although the team was successful, the department remained cautious because the funding remained uncertain.
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visualize a trophy labeled 'Erfolg' (success) — someone holding a trophy is erfolgreich
think 'air-folg-reich' — 'reich' like rich; success makes you 'rich' in results
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erfolgreich is a common descriptive adjective meaning 'successful'. It is gradable and forms comparative/superlative like many adjectives.