erträglich
tolerable
Describes a condition or situation that is not pleasant, but is bearable or tolerable.
EXAMPLE
Die Hitze im Sommer war dieses Jahr gerade noch erträglich.
The heat this summer was just barely tolerable.
erträglich
tolerable / affordable
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Meanings
erträglich
affordable
Refers to costs or prices that are perceived as reasonable or acceptable.
EXAMPLE
Für ein Hotel in dieser Lage war der Preis durchaus erträglich.
For a hotel in this location, the price was definitely affordable.
Usage tips
Word family
The adjective 'erträglich' (tolerable/bearable) is derived from the verb 'ertragen' (to endure), which means 'aushalten' (to bear/withstand) or 'erleiden' (to suffer). So something that is 'erträglich' can just about be endured.
EXAMPLE
Die Schmerzen nach der Operation waren mit den Medikamenten erträglich.
The pain after the operation was tolerable with the medication.
Typical gradations
'Erträglich' is often combined with adverbs to describe the degree of tolerability. Common combinations are 'kaum erträglich' (barely tolerable), 'gerade noch erträglich' (just barely tolerable), or 'durchaus erträglich' (quite tolerable).
EXAMPLE
Ohne Klimaanlage war die Temperatur im Büro kaum erträglich.
Without air conditioning, the temperature in the office was barely tolerable.
Typical collocations
In this meaning, 'erträglich' often describes unpleasant but bearable conditions or sensory perceptions. Typical nouns here are 'der Schmerz' (the pain), 'die Hitze' (the heat), 'der Lärm' (the noise), or 'die Kälte' (the cold).
EXAMPLE
Der Lärm von der Party nebenan war die ganze Nacht kaum erträglich.
The noise from the party next door was barely tolerable all night.
Context: Finances
When it comes to money, 'erträglich' means that something is considered financially acceptable or not too expensive. It is often used in relation to 'Preise' (prices), 'Kosten' (costs), or 'Ausgaben' (expenses).
EXAMPLE
Die Kosten für die Reparatur des Autos waren zum Glück noch erträglich.
Fortunately, the cost of repairing the car was still affordable.
Compare with
erträglich vs tragbar
portable / acceptable / wearable
Both words describe a burden that is not pleasant but still acceptable. Erträglich mainly describes being able to endure a condition, while tragbar more strongly evaluates the burden as manageable overall. Use erträglich more often for sensations and tragbar also for practical or financial consequences.
erträglich
Der Lärm von der Baustelle ist bei geschlossenem Fenster erträglich.
With the window closed, the noise from the construction site is tolerable.
tragbar
Die zusätzlichen Kosten sind für unsere Familie noch tragbar.
The additional costs are still manageable for our family.
In real life
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