reachable / available
Loading your saved state.
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.
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.
possible
'möglich' and 'erreichbar' can both express that a goal is realistic. 'möglich' is more general: something can be done or can happen. 'erreichbar' puts more emphasis on the fact that you really can achieve a goal with the resources available. With plans, grades, or successes, both can fit. 'möglich' sounds more open-ended, while 'erreichbar' sounds more concrete and closer to the goal.
Das Ziel ist erreichbar, wenn das Team jede Woche weiter daran arbeitet.
The goal is achievable if the team keeps working on it every week.
Mit etwas Übung ist eine bessere Note noch möglich.
With a little practice, a better grade is still possible.