German word

Abhilfe

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈapˌhɪlfə/

Meaning

  • feminine nounremedy

Example

Das neue Gesetz schafft Abhilfe für die Betroffenen.

The new law provides a remedy for those affected.

Illustration for Abhilfe (remedy)

More examples

Die Techniker leiteten Maßnahmen zur Abhilfe ein.

The technicians took remedial measures.

Core concept

A harmful condition is eased by a targeted measure, even when the underlying problem is not fully removed.

Common phrases

  • Maßnahmen zur Abhilfe

    remedial measures

  • sofortige Abhilfe

    immediate relief

  • wirksame Abhilfe

    effective relief

Similar words

Lösung: A method for resolving a problem or reaching an answer.
Maßnahme: A decided and implemented action for dealing with a problem.
Hilfe: Assistance provided to a person facing difficulty.

Definition in German

Abhilfe ist ein formeller Begriff für konkrete Schritte oder Vorrichtungen, die ein Problem beheben oder seine Auswirkungen mindern.

Word origin

Abhilfe is a German compound of ab- and Hilfe; ab- contributes the idea of moving a difficulty away, while Hilfe supplies assistance.

Usage tips

  • Abhilfe sounds more official and technical than Lösung and often names a corrective measure rather than an answer to a puzzle.

Other meanings

  • corrective measurenoun
  • solutionnoun
  • reliefnoun

Opposites

  • Untätigkeitinactionnoun

Related words

  • Abhilfemaßnahmecorrective measurenoun
  • abhelfenremedyverb

Word lists with this word