01
greifbar
within reach
So close that you can reach it with your hand and touch it; touchable.
example
Bitte lege die Fernbedienung in greifbare Nähe.
Please put the remote control within reach.
greifbar
tangible / within reach
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
The word consists of the stem of the verb 'greifen' (to grab/reach) and the ending '-bar'. The ending '-bar' often means 'can be ...', so 'greifbar' is literally something that can be grasped.
EXAMPLE
Die Werkzeuge sollten für den Handwerker immer greifbar sein.
The tools should always be within reach for the craftsman.
Fixed expression
In the literal meaning, 'greifbar' is very often used in the fixed expression 'in greifbarer Nähe' (within easy reach). This means that something is very close.
EXAMPLE
Stell das Glas bitte in greifbare Nähe, damit ich es erreichen kann.
Please put the glass within reach so I can get to it.
Context clue
You can recognize the figurative meaning 'clearly perceptible' by the fact that 'greifbar' is combined with abstract nouns such as 'Spannung' (tension), 'Angst' (fear), 'Erleichterung' (relief), or 'Atmosphäre' (atmosphere).
EXAMPLE
Die Erleichterung nach der Prüfung war im ganzen Raum greifbar.
The relief after the exam was tangible throughout the room.
Fixed expression
To express that a goal or event is very close in time, the fixed expression 'zum Greifen nah' (within reach) is used.
EXAMPLE
Der Urlaub ist schon zum Greifen nah, nur noch zwei Tage arbeiten!
The vacation is already within reach—only two more days of work!
Compare with
greifbar vs nah
near / close
'nah' and 'greifbar' can both express that something is not far away. 'nah' is more general and works for places, times, and distances. 'greifbar' is stronger: it often means that something is so close you can almost reach it with your hand. Figuratively, 'greifbar' is also used when a goal or event has almost been reached. 'nah' simply says: not far away. 'greifbar' says: almost there or almost within reach.
greifbar
Nach vielen Monaten Arbeit ist der Abschluss endlich greifbar.
After many months of work, completion is finally within reach.
nah
Der Bahnhof ist nah, aber wir müssen uns trotzdem beeilen.
The train station is close, but we still have to hurry.
In real life
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