stabil
stable
Solidly built, robust, and resistant, so that it does not easily break, fall over, or deform.
EXAMPLE
Das neue Regal ist sehr stabil und kann auch schwere Bücher tragen.
The new shelf is very stable and can also hold heavy books.
stabil
stable
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Meanings
stabil
stable
Refers to a situation, condition, or system that is steady, secure, and not threatened by sudden changes.
EXAMPLE
Trotz der internationalen Unsicherheiten bleibt die wirtschaftliche Lage im Land stabil.
Despite the international uncertainties, the economic situation in the country remains stable.
stabil
stable
In medicine, a patient's condition that is serious but not life-threatening and is not getting worse.
EXAMPLE
Nach der schweren Operation ist der Zustand des Patienten nun stabil.
After the major operation, the patient's condition is now stable.
stabil
solid / cool
Colloquially, especially in youth slang, used as an expression meaning 'good', 'cool', or 'reliable'.
EXAMPLE
Stabile Aktion von dir, danke für die schnelle Hilfe!
Solid move by you, thanks for the quick help!
Usage tips
Sentence structure and use
The adjective 'stabil' (stable) is very often used with the verbs 'bleiben' (to remain) or 'halten' (to keep/hold). You can say that a condition 'stabil bleibt' (remains stable) or that someone 'etwas stabil hält' (keeps something stable).
EXAMPLE
Die Ärzte versuchen, seinen Zustand stabil zu halten.
The doctors are trying to keep his condition stable.
Typical collocations
In its abstract meaning, 'stabil' (stable) is often used to describe economic or social conditions. Typical combinations are 'stabile Preise' (stable prices), 'eine stabile Wirtschaft' (a stable economy), 'eine stabile Regierung' (a stable government), or 'eine stabile Beziehung' (a stable relationship).
EXAMPLE
Eine stabile politische Lage ist wichtig für das Land.
A stable political situation is important for the country.
Context clue
In a medical context, 'stabil' (stable) means that a patient's condition is serious but is not currently getting worse. Signal words for this meaning are 'Patient' (patient), 'Zustand' (condition), or 'Kreislauf' (circulation).
EXAMPLE
Der Kreislauf des Patienten ist nach dem Unfall wieder stabil.
The patient's circulation is stable again after the accident.
Register: youth slang
The meaning 'cool' or 'reliable' is modern colloquial language and youth slang. You should only use this word in very informal situations with friends.
EXAMPLE
Dass du mir geholfen hast, war echt stabil von dir!
It was really solid of you to help me!
Compare with
stabil vs fest
firm / fixed
When describing a shelf, fest mainly means that it is securely fixed and cannot easily come loose or move. stabil, on the other hand, emphasizes its robust construction and resistance, so that it does not easily tip over or deform under strain.
stabil
Das Regal bleibt auch mit vielen schweren Büchern stabil.
The shelf remains stable even with many heavy books on it.
fest
Das Regal sitzt nach dem Anziehen der Schrauben fest an der Wand.
Once the screws were tightened, the shelf was firmly secured to the wall.
In real life
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