behilflich
Translation
helpful, of assistance
Examples
Kann ich Ihnen behilflich sein?
Can I be helpful to you?
Er war mir bei der Arbeit sehr behilflich.
He was very helpful to me with the work.
Grammar Patterns
((sb.dat)) ((with sth.dat)) to be helpful to (sb.) (with sth.) He was helpful to me with the work.
Similar Words
Synonyms: hilfsbereit, nützlich; Antonyms: hinderlich, nutzlos
Etymology
Composed of the prefix be- + the noun Hilfe (help) + the suffix -lich (-ly, -like). Literally 'help-like'.
Memory Tips
Connect it to the English 'be helpful'. It's a polite phrase for offering assistance.