When learning German, one of the key aspects that can enrich your vocabulary and enhance your communication skills is understanding and using adjectives effectively. German adjectives come with various endings that change their meaning and usage. One such ending is -bar, which often corresponds to the English suffix -able or -ible. In this article, we'll explore the formation, meaning, and usage of these adjectives, along with an overview of common -bar adjectives and their English translations.

Recommended study materials on the topic:

1. A-Grammar: Practice German grammar German (incl. answers)

2. B-Grammar: Practice German grammar German (incl. answers)

3. German self-study book for A1-B1  (incl. answers)

4. Grammar material package: comparative and superlative of adjectives

5. Grammar: exercises comparative and superlative of adjectives

6. Grammar: Overview of comparative and superlative of adjectives

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Formation and Meaning

Adjectives ending in -bar in German are generally derived from verbs and indicate the potential or capability of something. This suffix is similar to the English -able or -ible, suggesting that an action is possible. This also means you can often form a verb from these adjectives. However, be cautious when creating adjectives by adding the -bar ending to verbs, as it cannot be applied arbitrarily to any verb.

For example:

trinken (to drink) + -bar = trinkbar (drinkable)

lesen (to read) + -bar = lesbar (readable)

sehen (to see) + -bar = sichtbar (visible)

nutzen (to use) + -bar = nutzbar (usable)

erreichen (to reach) + -bar = erreichbar (reachable)

verstehen (to understand) + -bar = verstehbar (understandable)

vergleichen (to compare) + -bar = vergleichbar (comparable)

liefern (to deliver) + -bar = lieferbar (deliverable)

The -bar ending turns the verb's action into an adjective, describing a state where the action is possible or applicable.

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Common -bar adjectives in German

Here is an overview of some frequently used -bar adjectives in German, along with their English translations:

Remember: The -bar ending in German always stems from a verb and turns the action into an adjective, similar to the English "able" or "ible."

Practical Examples

To fully grasp the usage of these adjectives, let's look at some practical examples in sentences:

1. Das Wasser aus dem Brunnen ist trinkbar.
   The water from the well is drinkable.

2. Das Buch ist sehr lesbar und spannend.
   The book is very readable and exciting.

3. Die Lösung des Problems scheint machbar.
   The solution to the problem seems doable.

4. Der Fehler ist leicht erkennbar.
   The mistake is easily recognizable.

5. Diese Software ist sehr benutzbar und benutzerfreundlich.
   This software is very usable and user-friendly.

Tips for using -bar adjectives in German

1. Context Matters: Ensure that the adjective fits the context of what you are describing. For example, essbar (edible) is appropriate for food but not for other objects.

2. Practice Makes Perfect: Incorporate these adjectives into your daily German practice. Use flashcards, sentences, or even label items around your home.

3. Expand Your Vocabulary: Learning the verb forms that correspond to these adjectives can provide a deeper understanding and more flexibility in communication.

4. Listen and Learn: Pay attention to native speakers and written texts to see how these adjectives are used naturally.

Conclusion

Mastering German adjectives with the ending -bar can significantly enhance your ability to describe and interact with the world around you in German. These adjectives are not only versatile but also crucial for expressing possibilities and capabilities. By understanding their formation and meaning, and practicing their usage, you'll become more proficient and confident in your German language skills.

Don’t miss understanding the German comparative and superlative of adjectives!

Bis bald!

Steffie

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