stable
Loading your saved state.
stable
Solidly built, robust, and resistant, so that it does not easily break, fall over, or deform.
Das neue Regal ist sehr stabil und kann auch schwere Bücher tragen.
The new shelf is very stable and can also hold heavy books.
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).
Die Ärzte versuchen, seinen Zustand stabil zu halten.
The doctors are trying to keep his condition stable.
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).
Eine stabile politische Lage ist wichtig für das Land.
A stable political situation is important for the country.
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).
Der Kreislauf des Patienten ist nach dem Unfall wieder stabil.
The patient's circulation is stable again after the accident.
The meaning 'cool' or 'reliable' is modern colloquial language and youth slang. You should only use this word in very informal situations with friends.
Dass du mir geholfen hast, war echt stabil von dir!
It was really solid of you to help me!
sure / safe
'sicher' and 'stabil' can both express that something is not easily at risk or works well. Use 'sicher' when something protects against danger, is reliable, or gives no reason to expect harm. 'stabil' fits better when something stands firmly, does not break easily, or a condition stays the same. A chair can be 'stabil' because it does not wobble; it can be 'sicher' because you can sit on it without danger. Learners may confuse the words because both sound positive. The simple guide is: 'sicher' is about danger or reliability, while 'stabil' is about solidity or steadiness.
Der Tisch ist stabil genug für den schweren Drucker.
The table is stable enough for the heavy printer.
Die neue Tür ist sicher, weil sie ein gutes Schloss hat.
The new door is secure because it has a good lock.