conceivable
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conceivable
Describes that something is imaginable, possible, or plausible. It is often used with superlatives to express the highest possible degree (e.g., 'die denkbar beste Lösung' — the best conceivable solution).
Es ist denkbar, dass wir das Projekt früher als geplant abschließen.
It is conceivable that we will finish the project earlier than planned.
The word consists of the verb 'denken' (to think) and the ending '-bar'. This ending means 'can be ...' and turns verbs into adjectives. 'Denkbar' (conceivable) therefore literally means 'what can be thought'.
Eine schnelle Lösung ist in dieser Situation kaum denkbar.
A quick solution is hardly conceivable in this situation.
'Denkbar' (conceivable) is very often used to intensify a superlative. It then means 'the absolutely ...' or 'the ... that one can imagine'. The word order is: 'der/die/das denkbar' + superlative.
Das war die denkbar schlechteste Antwort, die er geben konnte.
That was the worst possible answer he could give.
A very common construction is 'Es ist denkbar, dass ...' (It is conceivable that ...). This introduces a possibility or an imaginable situation. The 'dass' clause is a subordinate clause with the verb at the end.
Es ist denkbar, dass die Preise weiter steigen werden.
It is conceivable that prices will continue to rise.
possible
Möglich and denkbar can both express an uncertain possibility. Möglich sounds more like actual feasibility or a realistic occurrence, while denkbar emphasizes more strongly that you can imagine or accept something as a possibility. For a purely mental consideration, denkbar is therefore often the better choice.
Nach den Gesprächen ist auch ein völliger Abbruch der Verhandlungen denkbar.
A complete breakdown of the negotiations is also conceivable after the talks.
Nach den Gesprächen ist eine Einigung noch möglich.
An agreement is still possible after the talks.
