detectable / lockable
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detectable
Something that can be perceived, recognized, proven, or determined.
Bei der Untersuchung waren keine feststellbaren Mängel am Gerät zu finden.
During the inspection, no detectable defects could be found on the device.
The word is based on the verb 'feststellen' (to determine / to lock in place) and the ending '-bar' (-able), which means 'possible'. 'Feststellbar' therefore literally means 'can be festgestellt'. This fits both meanings: something can be determined or mechanically fixed.
Die Ursache des Problems war nicht sofort feststellbar.
The cause of the problem was not immediately detectable.
You can recognize the meaning from the noun. If it is about abstract things like errors, differences, or facts, 'erkennbar' (recognizable/detectable) is meant. If it is about mechanical parts like wheels or levers, 'arretierbar' (lockable) is meant.
Ein leichter Anstieg der Temperatur war feststellbar.
A slight increase in temperature was detectable.
In the meaning 'erkennbar' (recognizable/detectable), the word is often used in formal language or reports. It often appears in negative sentences to express that something could not be proven.
Mit bloßem Auge war kein Unterschied feststellbar.
No difference was detectable with the naked eye.
In the meaning 'arretierbar' (lockable), the adjective almost always describes a technical function of an object. Typical examples are 'feststellbare Räder' (lockable wheels) or 'eine feststellbare Bremse' (a lockable brake).
Der Koffer hat vier feststellbare Rollen.
The suitcase has four lockable wheels.
recognizable
'erkennbar' and 'feststellbar' can both mean that you can notice or find out something. 'erkennbar' fits more when something is directly visible, audible, or generally clear. 'feststellbar' sounds more factual and often fits when you find something out by checking, measuring, or examining it. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with recognizing something. A simple guide is: with your eyes or ears, something is 'erkennbar'; through checking, examination, or careful inspection, something is 'feststellbar'.
Bei der Untersuchung war kein Schaden am Motor feststellbar.
During the inspection, no damage to the engine was detectable.
Nach dem Training war die Müdigkeit in Emmas Gesicht deutlich erkennbar.
After training, the tiredness was clearly visible in Emma's face.