01
passend
suitable
To be suitable or appropriate for a particular purpose, situation, or person.
example
Das war genau die passende Antwort auf seine unverschämte Frage.
That was exactly the suitable answer to his rude question.
passend
suitable / fitting
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Meanings
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Usage tips
From verb to adjective
'Passend' (suitable / fitting) is the present participle form of the verb 'passen' (to fit / to suit). When something 'passt' (that is, is suitable or has the right size), then it is 'passend'. This origin helps you understand the meaning.
EXAMPLE
Ich suche noch ein passendes Geschenk für meine Mutter.
I'm still looking for a suitable gift for my mother.
Context clue
Whether 'passend' means 'geeignet' (suitable) or 'von der richtigen Größe' (of the right size) can be recognized from context. With abstract things like moments or answers, it means 'suitable'. With concrete things like clothes or keys, it means 'having the right size/shape'.
EXAMPLE
Das ist der passende Moment, um die Neuigkeit zu verkünden.
This is the suitable moment to announce the news.
Use with prepositions
In the meaning 'geeignet' (suitable), 'passend' is often combined with the prepositions 'für' (+ accusative) or 'zu' (+ dative). 'Für' describes the purpose, while 'zu' describes the combination with something else.
EXAMPLE
Dieses Hotel ist passend für Familien mit Kindern.
This hotel is suitable for families with children.
Compare with
passend vs gut
good
'gut' and 'passend' can both express that something is right or useful in a situation. 'gut' is more general and evaluates something positively. 'passend' is more precise: it says that something suits a purpose, a person, a situation, or also fits in size and shape. Learners may confuse the words because, for example, you can say 'eine gute Antwort' (a good answer) and 'eine passende Antwort' (a suitable answer). 'gut' emphasizes quality; 'passend' emphasizes agreement with the situation.
passend
Für das Vorstellungsgespräch sucht Maria eine passende Jacke.
Maria is looking for a suitable jacket for the job interview.
gut
Der Vorschlag des Chefs ist gut, weil er uns viel Zeit spart.
The boss's suggestion is good because it saves us a lot of time.
In real life
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