shelf life / durability
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shelf life
The period of time during which a product, especially a food product, keeps its quality and can be safely consumed.
Achte bei Joghurt immer auf das Datum für die Mindesthaltbarkeit.
With yogurt, always pay attention to the best-before date.
durability
The quality of a material or object of being resistant to wear and destruction; longevity.
Die Haltbarkeit dieser Wanderschuhe ist wirklich beeindruckend, ich habe sie schon seit fünf Jahren.
The durability of these hiking boots is really impressive; I've had them for five years already.
The word 'Haltbarkeit' belongs to the word family of 'halten' (to hold / to last). Something that is 'haltbar' (durable / long-lasting) 'hält' (lasts) a long time. The ending '-keit' turns the adjective 'haltbar' into a noun.
Dieses Material ist sehr haltbar, es hält auch bei schlechtem Wetter.
This material is very durable; it holds up even in bad weather.
You can tell from context whether 'Haltbarkeit' refers to the shelf life of food or the durability of materials. If people are talking about food, it is about the time until spoilage. If they are talking about products like furniture or clothing, it means longevity.
Die Haltbarkeit des Joghurts ist abgelaufen.
The yogurt's shelf life has expired.
In connection with food, 'Mindesthaltbarkeitsdatum' (best-before date, often abbreviated as MHD) is a very important word. It indicates until when a product retains its specific properties at minimum.
Du solltest das Mindesthaltbarkeitsdatum auf der Verpackung überprüfen.
You should check the best-before date on the packaging.
When referring to the longevity of materials, 'Haltbarkeit' is often combined with adjectives such as 'hoch' (high), 'lang' (long), 'gering' (low), or 'begrenzt' (limited).
Das neue Smartphone wirbt mit einer hohen Haltbarkeit und einem robusten Display.
The new smartphone advertises high durability and a robust display.
lifespan
Lebensdauer and Haltbarkeit can both refer to the period during which an object remains usable. Lebensdauer refers to the entire period during which it remains functional; Haltbarkeit places more emphasis on how well a material withstands wear and deterioration. Use Lebensdauer for the point when something stops functioning, and Haltbarkeit for resistance to wear and tear.
Die Haltbarkeit des Fahrrads hängt davon ab, wie widerstandsfähig seine Teile gegen Abnutzung sind.
The bicycle's durability depends on how resistant its parts are to wear and tear.
Die Lebensdauer des Fahrrads endet wahrscheinlich nach vielen Jahren, wenn der Rahmen nicht mehr sicher funktioniert.
The bicycle's lifespan will probably end after many years, when the frame can no longer function safely.
