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B1 adjective #1,500 le plus courant 8 min de lecture

optimal

Top 1,500

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces optimal en 30 secondes

Explication optimal in your Level:

At the A1 level, you can use 'optimal' as a very strong version of 'sehr gut'. Even though it's a B1 word, it's easy to understand because it looks like the English word 'optimal'. You can use it in simple sentences like 'Das Wetter ist optimal' (The weather is optimal/perfect). At this stage, don't worry about complex grammar; just use it after the verb 'sein' (to be). It helps you sound more precise than just saying 'gut'. Remember that it means 'the best', so only use it when you are very happy with something. For example, if you find a perfect parking spot or the perfect time to meet a friend, you can say 'Das ist optimal!'. It's a great way to express that everything is exactly as it should be without needing a long explanation.

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At the A2 level, you start to use 'optimal' to describe how things are done. You can use it as an adverb. For example, 'Ich lerne optimal am Morgen' (I learn best/optimally in the morning). You also begin to see it in short advertisements or instructions. You might notice it in phrases like 'optimale Pflege' (optimal care) on a shampoo bottle. At this level, you should try to use it to describe simple conditions. Instead of just saying 'Das ist ein guter Plan', you can say 'Das ist ein optimaler Plan' if you think it's the best possible way to do something. You are also learning that adjectives change their endings, so pay attention to 'der optimale Tag' or 'die optimale Zeit'. It's a useful word for making your German sound more professional and less like a beginner.

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At the B1 level, 'optimal' becomes a key word for discussing efficiency and problem-solving. You are expected to use it in professional or semi-formal contexts. You should understand that 'optimal' implies a balance of different factors. For example, in a work discussion, you might say: 'Wir müssen die Kosten und die Qualität abwägen, um ein optimales Ergebnis zu erzielen' (We must weigh costs and quality to achieve an optimal result). You also start to use the opposite, 'suboptimal', which is very common in German office culture to describe something that isn't working well. You should be able to use 'optimal' in all its forms: as an adjective before a noun, after a verb, and as an adverb. You also understand that it's an 'absolute' word, so you avoid saying 'sehr optimal'.

At the B2 level, you use 'optimal' to describe complex systems and abstract concepts. You might use it in an essay to discuss the 'optimale Nutzung von Ressourcen' (optimal use of resources) or 'optimale Bedingungen für das Wirtschaftswachstum' (optimal conditions for economic growth). You understand the nuance between 'optimal' and 'ideal'—'optimal' is practical and achievable, while 'ideal' is often theoretical. You can also use it in more sophisticated sentence structures, such as 'Unter optimalen Umständen hätten wir das Ziel schneller erreicht' (Under optimal circumstances, we would have reached the goal faster). Your vocabulary is expanding to include related terms like 'optimieren' (to optimize) and 'Optimierung' (optimization), and you can use 'optimal' to justify technical or strategic choices in a debate.

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At the C1 level, 'optimal' is a standard part of your academic and professional vocabulary. You use it to describe fine-tuned processes and precise measurements. You might use it in a scientific context: 'Die Reaktion erfolgt bei einer optimalen Temperatur von 40 Grad.' You are also aware of the stylistic use of 'optimal' in literature or high-level journalism to create a sense of precision. You can distinguish between 'optimal' and its near-synonyms like 'bestmöglich' or 'adäquat' with ease. You might also use 'optimal' in a more ironic sense in sophisticated conversation, especially when discussing things that are clearly 'suboptimal'. You have a deep understanding of the word's Latin roots and how it fits into the broader family of 'Optimum' and 'Optimismus'.

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At the C2 level, you use 'optimal' with the nuance of a native speaker. You understand its role in game theory, economics, and philosophy. You might discuss 'Pareto-Optimalität' in a technical discussion or use the word to describe the perfect aesthetic balance in a piece of art. You are also aware of the linguistic debate regarding the comparison of absolute adjectives and can use 'optimaler' or 'am optimalsten' intentionally for rhetorical effect or to mirror colloquial speech patterns, while knowing it's technically incorrect. You use 'optimal' to convey maximum efficiency and precision in any given register, from a casual chat to a doctoral thesis. Your use of the word is always contextually perfect, reflecting a complete mastery of German semantics.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

optimal en 30 secondes

Optimal is a German adjective meaning 'best possible' or 'most favorable', used to describe peak efficiency or perfect conditions in various contexts.
It is a B1 level word that is frequently used in professional, scientific, and sports settings to denote an objective state of excellence.
Grammatically, it is an absolute adjective, meaning it technically shouldn't be compared, though colloquial usage sometimes includes 'optimaler'.
The word has a common antonym, 'suboptimal', which is widely used as a polite or ironic way to say something is not good enough.

The German adjective optimal is a powerful term used to describe a state, condition, or result that is the best possible under the given circumstances. Derived from the Latin 'optimus' (the best), it functions similarly to its English counterpart but carries a weight of precision often found in German technical and everyday discourse. When you describe something as 'optimal', you are suggesting that no further improvement is possible or necessary because the current state represents the peak of efficiency or suitability.

Core Concept: The absolute best state or condition achievable within a specific context.

In a linguistic sense, 'optimal' is an absolute adjective. In strict grammar, absolute adjectives cannot be compared (you cannot be 'more optimal' than 'optimal'). However, in modern colloquial German, you will occasionally hear 'optimaler' or 'am optimalsten' to emphasize that something is 'even more perfect' than another thing, though this is technically a pleonasm. For a B1 learner, understanding that 'optimal' replaces 'sehr gut' or 'perfekt' in professional and logical contexts is key.

Für dieses Experiment sind die Bedingungen optimal.

Consider the difference between 'gut' (good) and 'optimal'. While 'gut' is a general positive evaluation, 'optimal' implies a strategic or functional fit. If you are looking for a parking spot, a 'good' spot might be close to the entrance. An 'optimal' spot is one that is close, shaded, and easy to exit. It represents the intersection of all desired variables.

Usage Frequency: High in business, science, and sports; moderate in casual conversation.

Wir haben die optimale Lösung für Ihr Problem gefunden.

The word is also frequently used in sports commentary. When a player hits a ball with the 'optimalen Winkel' (optimal angle), it means the physics of the movement were perfect for the intended goal. This highlights the word's connection to efficiency and mathematics.

Die Vorbereitung auf den Marathon verlief optimal.

Synonym Note: While 'ideal' is a close synonym, 'optimal' often sounds more data-driven or objective.

Das Timing war einfach optimal.

Die Zusammenarbeit im Team funktioniert optimal.

Using 'optimal' correctly in German involves understanding its grammatical behavior as an adjective and its semantic placement. It can be used in three primary ways: predicatively (after a verb like 'sein'), adverbially (describing an action), or attributively (before a noun, requiring declension).

Predicative Use: Das Ergebnis ist optimal. (No ending needed.)

When used before a noun, you must apply the standard adjective endings. For example: 'ein optimaler Plan' (masculine), 'eine optimale Strategie' (feminine), 'ein optimales Ergebnis' (neuter). Because 'optimal' is a relatively formal word, it is often paired with nouns related to planning, results, and conditions.

Wir suchen nach der optimalen Route für unsere Reise.

In professional settings, 'optimal' is frequently used to justify decisions. If a manager says, 'Dieser Prozess ist nicht optimal,' they are politely saying that the process is inefficient and needs to be changed. It is a more professional way to criticize than saying 'schlecht' (bad).

Adverbial Use: Der Motor läuft optimal. (The engine is running perfectly.)

One interesting aspect of 'optimal' is its use in negative constructions. 'Suboptimal' is a very common German word used to describe something that is less than ideal. It is often used with a hint of irony or as a euphemism for 'quite bad'.

Die aktuelle Situation ist leider suboptimal.

When describing temperatures, light, or environmental factors, 'optimal' is the go-to word. In gardening, for instance, you would talk about the 'optimale Feuchtigkeit' (optimal moisture) for a plant.

20 Grad sind die optimale Temperatur zum Wandern.

Collocation: 'Optimal angepasst' (optimally adjusted/adapted) is a common phrase in engineering.

Das System ist optimal auf die Bedürfnisse der Kunden abgestimmt.

Die optimale Nutzung der Ressourcen ist unser Ziel.

You will encounter 'optimal' in a variety of settings, ranging from high-level scientific journals to everyday weather reports. Its versatility makes it a staple of the German language. In the workplace, it is ubiquitous. During a meeting, a colleague might say, 'Das wäre die optimale Vorgehensweise,' suggesting a path forward that maximizes benefits while minimizing costs.

Business Context: Used to describe efficiency, resource management, and strategic planning.

In the world of fitness and health, 'optimal' is used to describe diet and training. A nutritionist might discuss the 'optimale Nährstoffverteilung' (optimal nutrient distribution). Here, it implies a scientific basis for the recommendation, rather than just a personal preference.

Acht Stunden Schlaf sind optimal für die Regeneration.

News reports often use 'optimal' when discussing the economy or politics. For instance, 'Die Bedingungen für Investitionen sind derzeit optimal' suggests a perfect climate for business growth. It conveys a sense of stability and potential.

Scientific Context: Used to describe the precise conditions required for a reaction or phenomenon.

Die optimale Wellenlänge für die Photosynthese liegt im roten Bereich.

In daily life, you might hear it during a casual conversation about plans. 'Treffen wir uns um acht?' - 'Ja, das ist optimal.' In this case, it's a synonym for 'perfectly fine' or 'that works best for me'. It adds a touch of decisiveness to the agreement.

Das Licht in diesem Raum ist optimal zum Lesen.

Sports Commentary: Used to describe form, timing, and execution of movements.

Er hat den Ball optimal getroffen.

Die optimale Lösung erfordert meistens etwas Geduld.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners (and even native speakers) make with 'optimal' is treating it as a gradable adjective. In standard German, 'optimal' is an absolute limit. Something is either optimal or it isn't. Therefore, phrases like 'sehr optimal' or 'ein bisschen optimal' are logically incorrect. If you want to say something is very good but not quite the best, use 'sehr gut' or 'hervorragend'.

The Comparison Trap: Avoid 'optimaler' or 'am optimalsten' in formal writing.

Another mistake is confusing 'optimal' with 'ideal'. While they are often interchangeable, 'ideal' often refers to a theoretical or perfect state that might not be reachable, whereas 'optimal' refers to the best possible state within real-world constraints. If you say a solution is 'ideal', you might be dreaming; if you say it's 'optimal', you've likely done the math.

Falsch: Das ist die optimalste Lösung. Richtig: Das ist die optimale Lösung.

Learners also sometimes forget the adjective endings when using 'optimal' attributively. Because it ends in '-al', it might feel like an invariant foreign word, but it is a fully integrated German adjective. 'Ein optimaler Tag' (masculine nominative) needs that '-er' ending.

Pronunciation Error: The stress is on the last syllable: op-ti-MAL. Many English speakers stress the first syllable.

Die Bedingungen waren optimal (Stress on -mal).

Finally, avoid using 'optimal' for purely emotional states. You wouldn't usually say 'Ich fühle mich optimal' to mean you are happy. Instead, you would say 'Ich fühle mich bestens' or 'Mir geht es hervorragend'. 'Optimal' is better suited for functional or objective descriptions.

Das Ergebnis ist optimal, aber ich bin trotzdem nicht glücklich.

Word Choice: Don't use 'optimal' when you simply mean 'good'. It implies 'the best possible'.

Der Film war gut (not optimal, unless it was a perfect example of its genre).

Die optimale Lösung ist oft die einfachste.

Understanding the synonyms of 'optimal' helps you choose the right word for the right level of formality and specific meaning. While 'optimal' is objective and functional, other words might carry more emotional or subjective weight.

Ideal vs. Optimal: 'Ideal' is often a dream or a perfect model. 'Optimal' is the best achievable in reality.

'Perfekt' is another common synonym. However, 'perfekt' is often used more broadly in social contexts ('Das Kleid ist perfekt'). 'Optimal' would sound strange there. 'Bestmöglich' is a very close German synonym that literally means 'best possible'. It is often used in legal or official documents.

Wir suchen nach der bestmöglichen Lösung für alle Beteiligten.

'Vorzüglich' and 'ausgezeichnet' are synonyms that lean more towards 'excellent' in terms of quality, especially regarding food or service. You wouldn't say a machine runs 'vorzüglich' if you mean it's efficient; you'd say it runs 'optimal'.

Hervorragend: Means 'outstanding'. It is more emotional and less technical than 'optimal'.

Deine Leistung war hervorragend!

In technical documentation, you might see 'adäquat' (adequate). This is the opposite of 'optimal' in a sense—it means 'just enough' or 'sufficient', whereas 'optimal' means 'the absolute best'.

Die Beleuchtung ist adäquat, aber nicht optimal.

Einwandfrei: Means 'flawless' or 'without objection'. Often used for technical conditions.

Das Gerät funktioniert einwandfrei.

Wir haben die optimale Balance gefunden.

How Formal Is It?

Guide de prononciation

Rime avec

egal banal final

Niveau de difficulté

Grammaire à connaître

Adjective declension (weak, strong, mixed)

Absolute adjectives (non-gradable)

Adverbial use of adjectives

Prefix 'sub-' in German

Word formation with '-al'

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Exemples par niveau

Das Wetter ist heute optimal.

The weather is optimal today.

Predicative use of 'optimal' after 'ist'.

Der Termin um 10 Uhr ist optimal.

The appointment at 10 o'clock is optimal.

Simple sentence structure.

Das ist ein optimales Hotel.

That is an optimal hotel.

Attributive use with neuter ending '-es'.

Die Hilfe war optimal.

The help was optimal.

Past tense with 'war'.

Optimal! Ich komme morgen.

Optimal! I'm coming tomorrow.

Used as an interjection.

Ist das Licht optimal?

Is the light optimal?

Question form.

Das Essen schmeckt optimal.

The food tastes optimal.

Used with the verb 'schmecken'.

Der Platz ist optimal für uns.

The place is optimal for us.

Prepositional phrase 'für uns'.

Wir haben die optimale Lösung gefunden.

We found the optimal solution.

Feminine accusative ending '-e'.

Er trainiert optimal für den Lauf.

He is training optimally for the run.

Adverbial use.

Das ist ein optimaler Ort für ein Picknick.

That is an optimal place for a picnic.

Masculine nominative ending '-er'.

Die Maschine arbeitet optimal.

The machine is working optimally.

Describing a process.

Sie brauchen optimale Bedingungen zum Wachsen.

They need optimal conditions to grow.

Plural accusative ending '-e'.

Das Timing war nicht ganz optimal.

The timing was not quite optimal.

Negation with 'nicht ganz'.

Hier ist der optimale Punkt für das Foto.

Here is the optimal spot for the photo.

Masculine nominative.

Wir nutzen die Zeit optimal.

We are using the time optimally.

Verb 'nutzen' + adverb.

Für eine optimale Vorbereitung brauchen wir mehr Zeit.

For optimal preparation, we need more time.

Feminine accusative after 'für'.

Das System ist optimal auf die Nutzer abgestimmt.

The system is optimally tailored to the users.

Participle construction.

Leider ist die aktuelle Parksituation suboptimal.

Unfortunately, the current parking situation is suboptimal.

Use of the antonym 'suboptimal'.

Die optimale Temperatur liegt bei 20 Grad.

The optimal temperature is 20 degrees.

Feminine nominative.

Wir sollten den Platz optimal ausnutzen.

We should utilize the space optimally.

Modal verb 'sollten' + adverb.

Das ist nicht der optimale Weg, aber es funktioniert.

That's not the optimal way, but it works.

Contrastive sentence.

Eine optimale Ernährung ist wichtig für die Gesundheit.

An optimal diet is important for health.

Feminine nominative.

Das Team hat unter optimalen Bedingungen gearbeitet.

The team worked under optimal conditions.

Dative plural ending '-en'.

Die optimale Nutzung der Ressourcen spart Kosten.

The optimal use of resources saves costs.

Genitive construction.

Es ist schwierig, den optimalen Zeitpunkt zu bestimmen.

It is difficult to determine the optimal timing.

Masculine accusative ending '-en'.

Das Medikament entfaltet seine optimale Wirkung nach einer Stunde.

The medication reaches its optimal effect after one hour.

Feminine accusative.

Wir streben eine optimale Balance zwischen Arbeit und Freizeit an.

We aim for an optimal balance between work and leisure.

Verb 'anstreben'.

Die Software wurde für eine optimale Performance entwickelt.

The software was developed for optimal performance.

Passive voice.

Unter optimalen Umständen wäre das Projekt bereits fertig.

Under optimal circumstances, the project would already be finished.

Subjunctive II (Konjunktiv II).

Die optimale Strategie erfordert eine genaue Analyse.

The optimal strategy requires a precise analysis.

Feminine nominative.

Der Motor läuft im optimalen Drehzahlbereich.

The engine is running in the optimal RPM range.

Masculine dative ending '-en'.

Die Parameter wurden für eine optimale Ausbeute kalibriert.

The parameters were calibrated for an optimal yield.

Technical vocabulary ('Ausbeute', 'kalibriert').

Es gilt, das optimale Verhältnis von Risiko und Rendite zu finden.

It is necessary to find the optimal ratio of risk and return.

Infinitive construction with 'Es gilt'.

Die optimale Platzierung der Anzeige erhöht die Klickrate.

The optimal placement of the ad increases the click-through rate.

Business terminology.

Trotz suboptimaler Bedingungen erzielte er ein Rekordergebnis.

Despite suboptimal conditions, he achieved a record result.

Genitive with 'Trotz'.

Die Architektur ist auf einen optimalen Lichteinfall ausgelegt.

The architecture is designed for optimal light incidence.

Masculine accusative.

Eine optimale Kommunikation ist die Basis für jeden Erfolg.

Optimal communication is the basis for any success.

Abstract noun usage.

Die Forscher suchen nach dem optimalen Wirkstoff.

The researchers are looking for the optimal active ingredient.

Masculine dative.

Das Verfahren garantiert eine optimale Ausnutzung der Kapazitäten.

The process guarantees an optimal utilization of capacities.

Formal verb 'garantiert'.

Die Theorie der optimalen Steuerung findet hier Anwendung.

The theory of optimal control is applied here.

Academic genitive.

In einem optimalen Markt gäbe es keine Informationsasymmetrien.

In an optimal market, there would be no information asymmetries.

Economic terminology.

Die optimale Allokation von Kapital ist eine zentrale Herausforderung.

The optimal allocation of capital is a central challenge.

Specialized vocabulary ('Allokation').

Wir müssen die Parameter iterativ an das Optimum herantasten.

We must iteratively approach the optimum of the parameters.

Use of the noun 'Optimum'.

Das Werk besticht durch seine optimale kompositorische Ausgewogenheit.

The work impresses with its optimal compositional balance.

Aesthetic criticism.

Eine optimale Lösung im Sinne des Pareto-Kriteriums wurde erreicht.

An optimal solution in the sense of the Pareto criterion was achieved.

Reference to Pareto efficiency.

Die optimale Ausgestaltung des Vertrages erforderte Monate.

The optimal drafting of the contract required months.

Legal/Administrative German.

Es ist fraglich, ob ein optimaler Zustand dauerhaft stabil sein kann.

It is questionable whether an optimal state can be permanently stable.

Philosophical inquiry.

Collocations courantes

optimale Bedingungen

optimale Lösung

optimaler Zeitpunkt

optimale Nutzung

optimaler Verlauf

optimale Temperatur

optimal angepasst

optimal vorbereitet

optimale Ergebnisse

optimaler Drehzahlbereich

Phrases Courantes

Das ist optimal.

Unter optimalen Umständen...

Die Situation ist nicht optimal.

Alles läuft optimal.

Den optimalen Weg finden.

Optimale Voraussetzungen schaffen.

Ein optimales Verhältnis.

Optimal aufgeteilt.

Nicht ganz optimal.

Optimal gelöst.

Souvent confondu avec

optimal vs ideal

Ideal is theoretical/perfect; optimal is best possible in reality.

optimal vs optimistisch

Optimistisch is an attitude (optimistic); optimal is a state (best).

optimal vs maximal

Maximal means 'the most'; optimal means 'the best amount'.

Expressions idiomatiques

"Das Optimum herausholen (To get the most out of something)"

"Im optimalen Fall (In the best-case scenario)"

"Weit entfernt von optimal sein (To be far from optimal)"

"Die optimale Welle reiten (To make the most of a good situation)"

"Alles andere als optimal (Anything but optimal)"

"Optimal aufgestellt sein (To be perfectly positioned/prepared)"

"Den optimalen Riecher haben (To have a perfect intuition)"

"Ein optimales Pflaster sein (To be a perfect place for something)"

"Optimal ins Schwarze treffen (To hit the mark perfectly)"

"Den optimalen Hebel ansetzen (To use the perfect leverage)"

Facile à confondre

optimal vs

Structures de phrases

Famille de mots

Apparenté

die Optimierung, der Optimist, optimistisch

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Comment l'utiliser

absolute nature

Because it means 'best', it's hard to be 'more best'.

suboptimal usage

Very common euphemism in German culture.

Erreurs courantes

Das ist sehr optimal.
Die optimalste Lösung.
Ein optimal Tag.
Ich fühle mich optimal.
Stress on the first syllable.

Astuces

Endings Matter

Don't forget the adjective endings! 'Ein optimaler Tag' (masculine) needs the -er.

Professionalism

Use 'optimal' in job interviews to describe your working style or results.

Suboptimal

Learn 'suboptimal' alongside 'optimal' to double your vocabulary impact.

Stress

Practice saying 'op-ti-MAL' with the stress at the end to sound more native.

Weather

The weather is a great context to practice 'optimal' in daily life.

Absolute

Remember that 'optimal' is a ceiling; nothing is higher than the optimum.

Vs Ideal

Use 'optimal' for practical things like schedules, and 'ideal' for dreams.

Efficiency

In business, 'optimal' often relates to saving time or money.

Agreement

Say 'Das ist optimal' instead of just 'Okay' to show enthusiasm.

Precision

Replace 'sehr gut' with 'optimal' in your B1 writing exam to get higher marks.

Mémorise-le

Origine du mot

Latin

Contexte culturel

'Suboptimal' is often used to describe a total disaster in a funny way.

Using 'optimal' in meetings suggests you are data-driven.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Amorces de conversation

"Was sind für dich die optimalen Bedingungen zum Lernen?"

"Glaubst du, es gibt für jedes Problem eine optimale Lösung?"

"Wie sieht dein optimaler Urlaub aus?"

"Wann ist die optimale Zeit, um eine neue Sprache zu lernen?"

"Ist dein aktueller Arbeitsplatz optimal eingerichtet?"

Sujets d'écriture

Beschreibe deinen optimalen Tag von morgens bis abends.

Reflektiere über eine Situation, die 'suboptimal' verlaufen ist. Was hättest du ändern können?

Was bedeutet 'optimale Gesundheit' für dich persönlich?

Wie könnte man den öffentlichen Nahverkehr in deiner Stadt optimal gestalten?

Schreibe über ein Produkt, das für dich optimal funktioniert.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

In der Umgangssprache ja, aber in der Schriftsprache gilt es als falsch, da 'optimal' bereits den höchsten Grad ausdrückt.

'Ideal' bezieht sich oft auf einen theoretischen Wunschzustand, während 'optimal' das Beste ist, was man unter echten Bedingungen erreichen kann.

Ja, es wird oft in der Wissenschaft, Wirtschaft und in offiziellen Berichten verwendet, ist aber auch im Alltag gebräuchlich.

Es bedeutet 'nicht ideal' oder 'eher schlecht'. Es wird oft ironisch oder höflich verwendet.

Die Betonung liegt auf der letzten Silbe: op-ti-MAL.

Es kann beides sein. Als Adjektiv: 'eine optimale Lösung'. Als Adverb: 'Es läuft optimal'.

Ja, das Nomen ist 'das Optimum'.

Wenn ein Athlet in Bestform ist oder eine Bewegung perfekt ausgeführt hat.

Nein, es bedeutet 'das Beste'. 'Gut genug' wäre eher 'adäquat' oder 'ausreichend'.

Ja, es gehört zum Grundwortschatz für das B1-Niveau.

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