German word

nachhaltig

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈnaːxˌhaltɪç/

Meaning

  • adjectivesustainable

Example

Wir brauchen eine nachhaltige Lösung.

We need a sustainable solution.

Illustration for nachhaltig (sustainable)

More examples

Viele Verbraucher achten auf nachhaltige Produkte.

Many consumers pay attention to sustainable products.

Core concept

A carefully maintained garden remains productive year after year while its soil, water, and other resources stay intact.

Common phrases

  • nachhaltiges Verhalten

    sustainable behavior

  • nachhaltige Politik

    sustainable policy

Similar words

umweltfreundlich: Made to cause little harm to the natural world and its living things.
ressourcenschonend: Made to use limited resources carefully and extend their useful life.
zukunftsfähig: Prepared to remain effective despite changes in the years ahead.

Definition in German

Dauerhaft so genutzt oder gestaltet, dass natürliche Ressourcen und Systeme nicht erschöpft werden.

Word origin

The adjective comes from nachhalten, built from nach, expressing continuation, and halten, meaning to keep or hold.

Usage tips

  • Nachhaltige Lösung commonly covers environmental, economic, and social durability, whereas dauerhaft mainly describes simple persistence over time.

Other meanings

  • lastingadjective
  • long-termadjective

Opposites

  • temporärtemporaryadjective

Related words

Word lists with this word