01
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
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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 angemessen
appropriate
'angemessen' and 'erträglich' can both express that something is acceptable. However, the focus is different. 'angemessen' means that something fits the situation or seems fair, for example a price, a tone, or a reaction. 'erträglich' is more about saying that something is not pleasant, but you can put up with it. With prices, the words can come close in meaning: an 'erträglicher Preis' is not too high. Still, 'angemessen' sounds more objective and positive, while 'erträglich' tends to suggest a burden.
erträglich
Am Wochenende ist der Lärm im Haus gerade noch erträglich.
On the weekend, the noise in the building is just about tolerable.
angemessen
Für die kurze Reparatur ist der Preis angemessen.
For the short repair, the price is reasonable.
In real life
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