accessible / barrier-free
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accessible
Designed so that buildings, means of transport, or information can also be used without outside help by people with physical disabilities (e.g., in a wheelchair) or sensory impairments.
Der neue Bahnhof wurde komplett barrierefrei gebaut und verfügt über Aufzüge und Rampen.
The new train station was built to be completely accessible and has elevators and ramps.
accessible
In a figurative sense: easy to access, understand, or use without obstacles.
Die Website der Behörde bietet einen barrierefreien Zugang zu allen wichtigen Formularen.
The authority's website provides accessible access to all important forms.
The word is a clear compound of 'Barriere' (barrier) and 'frei' (free). So it literally means “free of barriers” or “without obstacles.”
Unser Ziel ist es, eine barrierefreie Lernumgebung für alle zu schaffen.
Our goal is to create an accessible learning environment for everyone.
'Barrierefrei' (accessible/barrier-free) is often used in the construction 'etwas barrierefrei gestalten' (to make/design something accessible), 'bauen' (to build), or 'machen' (to make) to describe the process of redesigning something.
Die Stadt plant, alle öffentlichen Gebäude barrierefrei zu gestalten.
The city plans to make all public buildings accessible.
In a physical context, 'barrierefrei' (accessible/barrier-free) is often combined with buildings and places. Typical phrases are 'barrierefreier Zugang' (accessible access), 'barrierefreies Wohnen' (accessible living), or 'ein barrierefreies Bad' (an accessible bathroom).
Die neue Wohnung hat ein komplett barrierefreies Bad.
The new apartment has a completely accessible bathroom.
In a figurative sense, 'barrierefrei' (accessible/barrier-free) refers to abstract things. Common combinations are 'barrierefreie Kommunikation' (accessible communication), 'barrierefreie Informationen' (accessible information), or 'eine barrierefreie Website' (an accessible website).
Die neue Software ermöglicht eine barrierefreie Kommunikation im Team.
The new software enables accessible communication within the team.
accessible
Zugänglich generally describes the fact that a place can be reached or entered. Barrierefrei additionally emphasizes that it can be used without assistance by people with physical or sensory impairments. Zugänglich is enough for the mere possibility of access; when the focus is on the absence of obstacles for these users, barrierefrei is more precise.
Der neue Eingang ist barrierefrei, weil auch Rollstuhlfahrer ihn ohne fremde Hilfe benutzen können.
The new entrance is barrier-free because wheelchair users can also use it without assistance.
Der neue Eingang ist für Besucher zugänglich, weil man ihn direkt vom Parkplatz aus betreten kann.
The new entrance is accessible to visitors because it can be entered directly from the parking lot.
