reachable / available
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available
Describes a person who can be contacted by phone, email, or in another way.
Ich bin heute Nachmittag für zwei Stunden in einer Besprechung und daher nicht erreichbar.
I’ll be in a meeting for two hours this afternoon and therefore won’t be available.
accessible
Describes a place or destination that can be physically reached or gotten to.
Die Almhütte ist im Winter nur mit Skiern erreichbar.
The alpine hut is accessible only by skis in winter.
achievable
Describes a goal, wish, or state that is realistic and can be achieved.
Mit dem aktuellen Trainingsplan scheint ein Platz auf dem Podium erreichbar zu sein.
With the current training plan, a place on the podium seems achievable.
The adjective is formed from the verb 'erreichen' (to reach) and the ending '-bar'. The ending '-bar' expresses possibility and literally means 'can be reached'.
Das Ziel ist nur durch harte Arbeit erreichbar.
The goal is achievable only through hard work.
The exact meaning of 'erreichbar' (reachable/available) depends on the noun it describes. It can refer to a person (contact), a place (access), or a goal (achievability).
Der Chef ist heute telefonisch nicht erreichbar.
The boss is not available by phone today.
When a person is 'erreichbar' (available), the type of contact is often indicated with prepositions such as 'per', 'unter', or 'über'.
Ich bin am besten per E-Mail erreichbar.
I am easiest to reach by email.
When a place is 'erreichbar' (accessible), the means of transport is often given with the preposition 'mit', or the way of getting there with 'zu'.
Die Insel ist nur mit dem Boot erreichbar.
The island is accessible only by boat.
available
For people, „verfügbar“ means that someone has time or is ready for a task. „Erreichbar“, on the other hand, means that the person can actually be contacted. So a person who is „erreichbar“ does not necessarily have to be „verfügbar“ at that moment.
Die Ärztin ist heute Nachmittag telefonisch erreichbar.
The doctor can be reached by phone this afternoon.
Die Ärztin ist heute Nachmittag für ein Gespräch verfügbar.
The doctor is available for a conversation this afternoon.
