passable / drivable
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passable / drivable
Describes a path, road, or surface that is in such a condition that one can drive on it with a vehicle.
Nach dem Schneesturm war die Passstraße erst am nächsten Tag wieder befahrbar.
After the snowstorm, the mountain pass road was not passable again until the next day.
The word is built very logically: it consists of the verb 'fahren' (to drive), the prefix 'be-' (to do something on a surface), and the ending '-bar' (possibility). 'Befahrbar' therefore literally means 'one can drive on it'.
Der Feldweg ist nur mit einem Geländewagen befahrbar.
The dirt road is only passable with an off-road vehicle.
This adjective typically describes traffic routes. Common nouns are 'Straße' (road), 'Weg' (path), 'Brücke' (bridge), and 'Pass' (mountain pass).
Die alte Holzbrücke ist für schwere Lastwagen nicht mehr befahrbar.
The old wooden bridge is no longer passable for heavy trucks.
The word is very often used in its negative form to describe a problem. 'Nicht befahrbar' (not passable / not drivable) is a common piece of information in traffic reports, often because of snow, flooding, or construction work.
Wegen eines Unfalls ist die Autobahn zurzeit nicht befahrbar.
Because of an accident, the highway is currently not passable.
walkable / walk-in
Befahrbar and begehbar both describe a path or surface that can be used and traversed. Befahrbar specifically refers to use with a vehicle, while begehbar refers to walking on it safely. Use the word that matches the intended means of travel.
Nach dem Schneeräumen ist die Straße wieder mit dem Auto befahrbar.
After the snow was cleared, the road was drivable again.
Nach dem Schneeräumen ist der Fußweg wieder sicher begehbar.
After the snow was cleared, the footpath was safe to walk on again.
