tragfähig
load-bearing
Stable or solid enough to support a particular load.
EXAMPLE
Das Eis ist noch nicht tragfähig und darf deshalb nicht betreten werden.
The ice is not yet strong enough to bear weight, so it must not be walked on.
tragfähig
viable / load-bearing
tragfähig – tragfähiger – am tragfähigsten
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Meanings
tragfähig
viable
Suitable as the basis for a project or cooperation and reliable or effective enough over the long term.
EXAMPLE
Beide Parteien suchen nach einem tragfähigen Kompromiss, der eine langfristige Zusammenarbeit ermöglicht.
Both parties are looking for a viable compromise that will enable long-term cooperation.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry tragfähig, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
Comparison
| basic form | tragfähig |
|---|---|
| comparative | tragfähiger |
| superlative | am tragfähigsten |
After der, die, das
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -e | -e | -e | -en |
| acc. | -en | -e | -e | -en |
| dat. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
| gen. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
Add the ending to tragfähig.
After ein, eine
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -er | -e | -es | -en |
| acc. | -en | -e | -es | -en |
| dat. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
| gen. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
Add the ending to tragfähig.
Without article
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -er | -e | -es | -e |
| acc. | -en | -e | -es | -e |
| dat. | -em | -er | -em | -en |
| gen. | -en | -er | -en | -er |
Add the ending to tragfähig.
Usage tips
Word formation
'Tragfähig' (viable / load-bearing) is made up of 'tragen' (to carry) and 'fähig' (capable). The basic idea is that something is capable of carrying a load; this also gives rise to the figurative meaning for reliable plans or solutions.
EXAMPLE
Die neue Brücke muss auch bei starkem Verkehr tragfähig bleiben.
The new bridge must remain load-bearing even under heavy traffic.
Context clue
With a concrete object or surface, 'tragfähig' (load-bearing) refers to actual load-bearing capacity. When words such as 'Kompromiss' (compromise), 'Lösung' (solution), 'Konzept' (concept), or 'Zusammenarbeit' (cooperation) appear with it, the figurative meaning is usually intended.
EXAMPLE
Der Boden ist für schwere Maschinen nicht tragfähig.
The ground is not load-bearing enough for heavy machinery.
Die beiden Gruppen haben eine tragfähige Lösung gefunden.
The two groups found a viable solution.
Typical collocations
In the sense of actual load-bearing capacity, 'tragfähig' (load-bearing) frequently appears with 'Untergrund' (ground or substrate), 'Eis' (ice), 'Brücke' (bridge), 'Boden' (ground), or 'Konstruktion' (structure). It particularly often describes whether a surface or structure can withstand a particular load.
EXAMPLE
Vor dem Bau muss geprüft werden, ob der Untergrund tragfähig ist.
Before construction begins, it must be checked whether the ground is load-bearing.
Typical collocations
In its figurative sense, 'tragfähig' (viable) frequently combines with 'Kompromiss' (compromise), 'Lösung' (solution), 'Konzept' (concept), 'Geschäftsmodell' (business model), and 'Zusammenarbeit' (cooperation). These collocations are especially common in texts about politics, business, and organizations.
EXAMPLE
Das Unternehmen braucht ein tragfähiges Geschäftsmodell für die nächsten Jahre.
The company needs a viable business model for the coming years.
Formal style
The figurative meaning is typical of factual and formal texts, for example in politics, business, public administration, or project planning. In these contexts, the word assesses whether an idea or agreement can work over the long term.
EXAMPLE
Im Bericht wird geprüft, ob die geplante Finanzierung tragfähig ist.
The report examines whether the planned financing is viable.
In real life
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