load-bearing capacity / viability
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load-bearing capacity
The maximum load or maximum weight that a structure, component, or material can withstand without breaking or being damaged.
Die Tragfähigkeit der alten Brücke wurde von einem Statiker neu berechnet.
The load-bearing capacity of the old bridge was recalculated by a structural engineer.
The word is built logically: it comes from the adjective 'tragfähig' (load-bearing/viable). This in turn consists of the verb 'tragen' (to carry) and the ending '-fähig' (-capable). The ending '-keit' turns it into a noun that describes the quality: the ability to carry something.
Ein Architekt muss die Tragfähigkeit eines Gebäudes genau berechnen.
An architect has to calculate the load-bearing capacity of a building precisely.
In the literal meaning, it is about physical loads. Typical combinations are 'die Tragfähigkeit einer Brücke' (the load-bearing capacity of a bridge), 'einer Decke' (of a ceiling), or 'eines Regals' (of a shelf). Verbs often used with it are 'berechnen' (to calculate), 'prüfen' (to check/test), and 'gewährleisten' (to ensure).
Vor der Renovierung muss die Tragfähigkeit der alten Holzbalken geprüft werden.
Before the renovation, the load-bearing capacity of the old wooden beams has to be checked.
In a figurative sense, the word describes financial or conceptual stability. People often speak of the 'finanzielle Tragfähigkeit' (financial viability) of a project or the 'Tragfähigkeit eines Geschäftskonzepts' (viability of a business concept).
Die Investoren waren von der Tragfähigkeit seiner Idee nicht überzeugt.
The investors were not convinced of the viability of his idea.
In ecology, 'Tragfähigkeit' (carrying capacity) is a fixed technical term. It describes the limit of how many living beings an ecosystem can support without being damaged. For example, people speak of the 'ökologische Tragfähigkeit eines Lebensraums' (ecological carrying capacity of a habitat).
Die Überweidung zeigt, dass die Tragfähigkeit der Alm überschritten wurde.
The overgrazing shows that the carrying capacity of the alpine pasture has been exceeded.
capacity
'Kapazität' and 'Tragfähigkeit' both describe a limit: how much something can hold, perform, or withstand. 'Kapazität' is used when it is about how much fits into a room, vehicle, or system, or how much a machine or factory can produce. 'Tragfähigkeit' is used when something has to withstand a weight or load, for example a bridge, a shelf, or a material. In a figurative sense, 'Tragfähigkeit' can also say whether an idea or plan works in the long term. The words can be confused because both have to do with a 'maximum'. Remember: 'Kapazität' asks more 'How much fits inside or can be performed?', while 'Tragfähigkeit' asks more 'How much can it withstand?'.
Karim fragt den Handwerker, ob die Tragfähigkeit des Balkons für die schweren Pflanzkübel reicht.
Karim asks the contractor whether the balcony's load-bearing capacity is enough for the heavy planters.
Zur Sicherheit prüft der Veranstalter die Kapazität des Saals.
For safety, the organizer checks the capacity of the hall.