das Fassungsvermögen
capacity
The maximum amount that a container, room, or vehicle can hold; the capacity.
EXAMPLE
Das Fassungsvermögen des Benzintanks beträgt 60 Liter.
The capacity of the fuel tank is 60 liters.
das Fassungsvermögen
capacity
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Meanings
das Fassungsvermögen
capacity
In a figurative sense: a person's mental or emotional ability to understand, process, or endure something.
EXAMPLE
Die Komplexität des Themas überstieg mein geistiges Fassungsvermögen bei weitem.
The complexity of the topic far exceeded my mental capacity.
Usage tips
Word composition
This word is composed of 'fassen' (to hold, to contain) and 'Vermögen' (here in the sense of ability). So it literally describes the 'ability to contain' or take in something.
EXAMPLE
Die Kiste war so voll, ihr Fassungsvermögen war erschöpft.
The box was so full that its capacity was exhausted.
Context clue
The literal meaning can be recognized from physical units (e.g., liters, cubic meters) or countable things (e.g., people). The figurative, mental meaning is often signaled by adjectives such as 'geistig' (mental), 'emotional' (emotional), or 'intellektuell' (intellectual).
EXAMPLE
Das Stadion hat ein Fassungsvermögen von 50.000 Zuschauern.
The stadium has a capacity of 50,000 spectators.
Sentence pattern with 'von'
When specifying capacity, the structure 'ein Fassungsvermögen von [number] [unit]' (a capacity of [number] [unit]) is almost always used. This pattern is very useful for talking about sizes and volumes.
EXAMPLE
Der Aufzug hat ein Fassungsvermögen von acht Personen.
The elevator has a capacity of eight people.
Figurative meaning
In the figurative meaning, it is often expressed that a mental or emotional limit has been reached. A typical verb in this context is 'übersteigen' (to exceed) or 'überschreiten' (to exceed/cross).
EXAMPLE
Die mathematische Formel überstieg mein Fassungsvermögen.
The mathematical formula exceeded my capacity.
Compare with
Fassungsvermögen vs Kapazität
capacity
Kapazität and Fassungsvermögen can both indicate how much a room, container, or vehicle can hold. "Fassungsvermögen" refers especially to the amount that can physically fit inside, while "Kapazität" is also used for systems and more general accommodation limits. For a container, Fassungsvermögen is often the more obvious choice.
Fassungsvermögen
Das Fassungsvermögen des Reisebusses beträgt fünfzig Personen.
The coach has a seating capacity of 50 people.
Kapazität
Die Kapazität des öffentlichen Verkehrssystems reicht für zehntausend Fahrgäste täglich.
The public transportation system has the capacity for 10,000 passengers a day.
In real life
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