imstande sein
to be capable
To have the ability or possibility to do something; to be able to.
EXAMPLE
Nach seiner Verletzung war er nicht imstande, die Treppe allein zu steigen.
After his injury, he was not capable of climbing the stairs alone.
imstande
capable
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Meanings
Usage tips
Sentence structure with 'zu'
The word 'imstande' (capable) is almost always used in the fixed phrase 'imstande sein' (to be capable). It is followed by an infinitive construction with 'zu', which describes what someone can do.
EXAMPLE
Ich bin nicht imstande, dieses schwere Paket allein zu tragen.
I am not capable of carrying this heavy package alone.
Word structure
'Imstande' is a merged spelling of the old expression 'im Stande'. It literally means that one is 'in the state' or 'in the condition' to do something. This origin can help with understanding.
EXAMPLE
Der Patient war endlich wieder imstande, selbstständig zu essen.
The patient was finally capable of eating independently again.
Register and style
The phrase 'imstande sein' (to be capable) belongs more to written language or a more formal style. It often sounds somewhat elevated.
EXAMPLE
Das Unternehmen ist nicht imstande, die geforderten Löhne zu zahlen.
The company is not capable of paying the requested wages.
Compare with
imstande vs fähig
capable
Fähig sein and imstande sein can both express an ability or possibility. Fähig emphasizes the ability someone possesses, while imstande is used only with sein and more often refers to whether something is possible in a specific situation.
imstande
Lena ist heute imstande, den langen Bericht trotz ihrer Kopfschmerzen zu schreiben.
Today, Lena is able to write the long report despite her headache.
fähig
Lena ist fähig, den langen Bericht ohne Hilfe zu schreiben.
Lena is capable of writing the long report without help.
In real life
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