tragbar
portable
Light and small enough to be carried by one person.
EXAMPLE
Für die Reise habe ich mir einen tragbaren DVD-Player gekauft.
For the trip, I bought myself a portable DVD player.
tragbar
portable / acceptable / wearable
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
tragbar
acceptable
Acceptable, reasonable, or financially manageable.
EXAMPLE
Die vorgeschlagenen Kosten sind für unser Budget gerade noch tragbar.
The proposed costs are just about acceptable for our budget.
tragbar
wearable
Referring to clothing: suitable to be worn in everyday life or for a specific occasion.
EXAMPLE
Die Mode auf dem Laufsteg ist oft kreativ, aber nicht immer tragbar.
The fashion on the runway is often creative, but not always wearable.
Usage tips
Word structure
The word is made up of the verb stem 'trag-' (from 'tragen' (to carry/wear)) and the ending '-bar'. The ending '-bar' means that something can be done. So 'tragbar' (portable/wearable) literally means 'can be carried/worn'.
EXAMPLE
Dieser Koffer ist sehr leicht und daher gut tragbar.
This suitcase is very light and therefore easy to carry.
Context clues
You can recognize the meaning of 'tragbar' (portable/acceptable/wearable) from the context. If it is about devices like a computer, it means 'portable'. With abstract things like costs or risks, it means 'acceptable'. In connection with fashion, it means 'wearable in everyday life'.
EXAMPLE
Ich suche einen kleinen, tragbaren Lautsprecher für den Urlaub.
I'm looking for a small, portable speaker for vacation.
Sentence structure and usage
In the meaning 'akzeptabel' (acceptable), 'tragbar' (acceptable) is often used with the preposition 'für' + accusative and a person or group. This expresses for whom a condition or risk is reasonable.
EXAMPLE
Die vorgeschlagene Lösung ist für alle Beteiligten tragbar.
The proposed solution is acceptable for everyone involved.
Compare with
tragbar vs mobil
mobile
When referring to a device, both “mobil” and “tragbar” can be appropriate. “Tragbar” emphasizes that a person can easily take it with them, while “mobil” here highlights use while on the move or via a mobile connection. If the focus is on carrying the device, “tragbar” is appropriate; if the focus is on mobile use, “mobil” is more suitable.
tragbar
Der tragbare Computer ist klein genug für meinen Rucksack.
The portable computer is small enough to fit in my backpack.
mobil
Mit dem mobilen Internet kann ich auch unterwegs arbeiten.
With mobile internet, I can work while on the go.
In real life
Loading video examples...