advisable
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advisable
Describes an action or decision that is smart, sensible, and recommended because it is likely to lead to a good outcome.
Angesichts des angekündigten Sturms ist es nicht ratsam, eine Bergwanderung zu unternehmen.
In view of the announced storm, it is not advisable to go on a mountain hike.
The adjective 'ratsam' (advisable) is derived directly from the noun 'der Rat' (advice). The ending '-sam' means something like 'full of' or 'having the quality of'. So something is 'ratsam' if it has the quality of good advice.
Wenn dir jemand einen guten Rat gibt, ist seine Empfehlung ratsam.
If someone gives you good advice, their recommendation is advisable.
'Ratsam' (advisable) is almost always used in the impersonal construction 'Es ist ratsam, ... zu + infinitive' (It is advisable to ...). This structure is very typical for expressing a recommendation.
Es ist ratsam, vor einer Prüfung gut zu schlafen.
It is advisable to sleep well before an exam.
The word 'ratsam' (advisable) belongs more to a formal style of language. You often find it in written recommendations, official notices, or in carefully considered spoken language.
In der Bedienungsanleitung steht, es sei ratsam, das Gerät regelmäßig zu reinigen.
The instruction manual says it is advisable to clean the device regularly.
recommendable
Both words can express a positive assessment of an action. “Empfehlenswert” emphasizes that the action is generally endorsed, whereas “ratsam” places more emphasis on the sensible decision in a specific situation and on a likely good outcome. “Empfehlenswert” is more suitable for a general recommendation, while “ratsam” is more suitable when possible consequences are involved.
Da das Hotel schnell ausgebucht ist, ist eine frühzeitige Buchung ratsam.
Since the hotel fills up quickly, booking early is advisable.
Eine frühzeitige Buchung ist für diese Reise empfehlenswert.
Booking early is recommended for this trip.
