shelf-stable / durable / tenable
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shelf-stable
Refers to food and means that it can be stored for a longer time without spoiling.
Milch ist nur wenige Tage haltbar, Konserven dagegen mehrere Jahre.
Milk is only shelf-stable for a few days, whereas canned goods last for several years.
The word consists of the verb stem 'halt-' (from 'halten' (to hold/last)) and the ending '-bar'. The ending '-bar' means '-fähig' or '-able' in English. So 'haltbar' means that something has the ability to 'halten'—that is, not to spoil, not to break, or to be logical.
Ist diese alte Behauptung heute noch haltbar?
Is this old claim still tenable today?
The meaning of 'haltbar' becomes clear through the noun. With food, it is about shelf life; with materials, about robustness; and with abstract things like theories or arguments, about logical soundness.
Diese Jacke ist aus einem sehr haltbaren Stoff gemacht.
This jacket is made of a very durable fabric.
In connection with food, the phrase 'mindestens haltbar bis' (best before) is very important. You will find this information (often abbreviated as 'MHD') on almost all food packaging.
Der Joghurt ist noch bis nächste Woche haltbar.
The yogurt is still good until next week.
When it comes to arguments, theories, or claims, 'haltbar' (tenable) is very often used in the negative form. The statement 'nicht haltbar sein' means that an argument or idea has been refuted.
Nach den neuen Entdeckungen war die alte Theorie nicht mehr haltbar.
After the new discoveries, the old theory was no longer tenable.
stable
'stabil' and 'haltbar' can both mean, for objects or materials, that they do not break quickly. 'stabil' mainly describes something as solidly built and not easily broken, tipped over, or deformed. 'haltbar' more strongly emphasizes that something can be used for a long time and withstands wear well. Learners may confuse the words because a stable object is often also durable. Still, the perspective is different: 'stabil' is more about whether something is firm and safe at the moment. 'haltbar' is more about whether it lasts a long time.
Diese Schuhe sind teuer, aber sehr haltbar.
These shoes are expensive, but very durable.
Das Regal ist stabil, auch wenn viele Bücher darin stehen.
The shelf is stable, even with many books on it.