tauglich
suitable
Suitable, appropriate, or usable for a particular purpose, requirement, or situation.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Unfall war das Fahrrad nicht mehr alltagstauglich.
After the accident, the bicycle was no longer suitable for everyday use.
tauglich
suitable / fit
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Meanings
tauglich
fit for service
Specifically in a military context: having the physical and mental suitability for military service.
EXAMPLE
Bei der Musterung wurde der junge Mann für tauglich befunden und zum Militärdienst eingezogen.
At the medical examination, the young man was found fit for service and drafted into military service.
Usage tips
Word family
The adjective 'tauglich' (suitable/fit) is derived from the verb 'taugen', which means 'to be good for something' or 'to be suitable'. If something 'taugt' (is good for something), it is 'tauglich' (suitable).
EXAMPLE
Dieses alte Werkzeug taugt nicht mehr viel.
This old tool is not good for much anymore.
Use with 'für'
To indicate the purpose or requirement for which something is suitable, 'tauglich' (suitable) is almost always used with the preposition 'für' (for) and the accusative.
EXAMPLE
Diese Schuhe sind nicht für eine lange Wanderung tauglich.
These shoes are not suitable for a long hike.
Common compounds
'Tauglich' (suitable) is often used as the second part of compound adjectives to describe suitability for a specific area. Examples are 'alltagstauglich' (suitable for everyday use), 'familientauglich' (family-friendly/suitable for families), or 'wintertauglich' (suitable for winter).
EXAMPLE
Wir suchen ein familientaugliches Auto mit viel Platz.
We are looking for a family-friendly car with lots of space.
Military context
The meaning 'suitable for military service' is very specific. You can recognize it from words like 'Musterung' (military medical examination), 'Wehrdienst' (military service), or 'Militär' (military). The opposite in this context is 'untauglich' (unfit).
EXAMPLE
Nach der ärztlichen Untersuchung wurde er als untauglich eingestuft.
After the medical examination, he was classified as unfit.
Compare with
tauglich vs geeignet
suitable
Both words describe a person or object as suitable for a task. „Geeignet“ is neutral and assesses the fit in general, while „tauglich“ places more emphasis on practical usefulness or sufficient fitness for use. Choose „geeignet“ for a neutral assessment and „tauglich“ when proving oneself in practice is important.
tauglich
Nach mehreren Wanderungen hat sich der leichte Rucksack als alltagstauglich erwiesen.
After several hikes, the lightweight backpack proved suitable for everyday use.
geeignet
Dieser leichte Rucksack ist für eine kurze Wanderung gut geeignet.
This lightweight backpack is well suited to a short hike.
In real life
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