readable
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legible
Written or printed in such a way that the letters and words can be recognized and deciphered without difficulty; legible.
Bitte schreiben Sie Ihren Namen in Druckbuchstaben, damit er gut lesbar ist.
Please write your name in block letters so that it is clearly legible.
readable
Describing a text that is pleasant, interesting, and understandable to read and makes you want to keep reading.
Obwohl das Thema komplex ist, hat der Autor ein sehr gut lesbares Buch darüber geschrieben.
Although the topic is complex, the author has written a very readable book about it.
The word is made up of the verb 'lesen' (to read) and the ending '-bar' (-able). The ending '-bar' means that something can be done. So 'lesbar' (readable/legible) literally means 'can be read'.
Das alte Manuskript ist wegen der verblassten Tinte kaum noch lesbar.
Because of the faded ink, the old manuscript is hardly legible anymore.
'Lesbar' (readable/legible) has two meanings: physically decipherable or stylistically pleasant to read. The context makes the difference clear: 'eine lesbare Handschrift' (legible handwriting) can be deciphered; 'ein lesbares Buch' (a readable book) is interesting and well written.
Ihre Handschrift ist sehr klein, aber noch gut lesbar.
Her handwriting is very small, but still quite legible.
When referring to physical legibility, the word is often combined with adverbs such as 'gut' (well/easily), 'schlecht' (poorly), 'kaum' (hardly), or 'deutlich' (clearly). Typical nouns are 'Handschrift' (handwriting), 'Schrift' (writing/font), or 'Dokument' (document).
Das Schild war aus der Ferne nur schwer lesbar.
The sign was only difficult to read from a distance.
understandable
Both words can describe a text that is easy to understand. „verständlich“ focuses on the content and how easy it is to follow, while „lesbar“ additionally refers to an enjoyable, interesting writing style that invites you to keep reading. Use „verständlich“ for clear information and „lesbar“ for the effect of the text as a whole.
Der Bericht ist lesbar, weil er die neuen Regeln in kurzen Abschnitten und mit lebendigen Beispielen erklärt.
The report is readable because it explains the new rules in short sections and with lively examples.
Der Bericht ist verständlich, weil er die neuen Regeln klar und einfach erklärt.
The report is understandable because it explains the new rules clearly and simply.
