01
hörbar
audible
Loud enough to be perceived with the ears; acoustically perceptible.
example
Das leise Ticken der Uhr war im stillen Raum deutlich hörbar.
The soft ticking of the clock was clearly audible in the quiet room.
hörbar
audible
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
The word is formed from the verb 'hören' (to hear) and the ending '-bar' (-able). The ending '-bar' often means 'can be ...,' so 'hörbar' (audible) literally means 'can be heard.'
EXAMPLE
Die Musik war bis auf die Straße hörbar.
The music was audible all the way out on the street.
Typical collocations
To describe the degree of audibility, 'hörbar' (audible) is often combined with adverbs such as 'deutlich' (clearly), 'gut' (well/easily), 'kaum' (barely), or 'schwer' (hardly/with difficulty).
EXAMPLE
Sein Flüstern war im lauten Raum kaum hörbar.
His whisper was barely audible in the loud room.
Figurative meaning
In the figurative meaning, 'hörbar' (audible) describes a strong emotion that is expressed in a sound. Typical combinations are 'hörbare Erleichterung' (audible relief) or 'ein hörbarer Seufzer' (an audible sigh).
EXAMPLE
Sie atmete mit hörbarer Erleichterung auf, als sie die gute Nachricht hörte.
She breathed out with audible relief when she heard the good news.
Compare with
hörbar vs erkennbar
recognizable
'erkennbar' and 'hörbar' can both mean that something is clearly perceived. 'erkennbar' is more general: you can see, hear, or identify something in another way. 'hörbar' is more precise when it is really about a noise, a voice, or a sound. In a figurative sense, 'hörbar' can also describe a strong emotion in someone's voice. The words can be confused because both can mean 'clearly perceptible'. When the ears are important, 'hörbar' is more precise. When it is generally about identification or visibility, 'erkennbar' fits better.
hörbar
In ihrer Stimme war die Enttäuschung deutlich hörbar.
The disappointment was clearly audible in her voice.
erkennbar
Bei der Arbeit ist erkennbar, dass das Team besser zusammenarbeitet.
At work, it is noticeable that the team is collaborating better.
In real life
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