dienlich

Dienlich is a German adjective meaning useful, serviceable, or advantageous for fulfilling a purpose. It describes something that serves a task well and is appropriate to a given situation. In English, it is usually translated as "useful" or "serviceable," but dienlich typically carries a formal or literary tone rather than everyday speech.

Etymology and related forms: dienlich comes from dienen, “to serve,” with the suffix -lich, yielding the sense of “serving (a purpose).” It is closely related to compounds such as zweckdienlich (useful for a particular purpose) and -dienlich phrases that emphasize practicality and fit.

Usage: Dienlich is most common in written German—legal, administrative, historical, or descriptive prose—where a measured assessment of suitability is intended. It can describe measures, hints, objects, or actions that effectively meet a need or goal.

Examples: German phrases include "eine dienliche Maßnahme" (a useful/advantageous measure) and "dienliche Hinweise" (helpful hints). In compounds, the nuance often strengthens the sense of purpose alignment, as in zweckdienlich meaning “fit for the purpose.”

See also: Synonyms include nützlich (useful) and geeignet (suitable). Related terms are zweckdienlich (useful for a specific purpose) and nützlichkeit (utility). Antonyms include unbrauchbar (unusable), nutzlos (useless), and ungeeignet (inappropriate).