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.
viability
In a figurative sense, the resilience or future viability of a concept, idea, or business model.
Die Bank zweifelte an der finanziellen Tragfähigkeit des vorgelegten Geschäftsplans.
The bank doubted the financial viability of the business plan that had been submitted.
carrying capacity
In ecology, the maximum number of individuals of a species that can survive long-term in a particular habitat without damaging it.
Die Tragfähigkeit der Weide für die Schafherde ist für diesen Sommer erreicht.
The carrying capacity of the pasture for the flock of sheep has been reached for this summer.
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 can both refer to a possible maximum number in a habitat. "Kapazität" tends to name the available capacity, while "Tragfähigkeit" in ecology means the limit that is possible in the long term without harming the habitat. Tragfähigkeit is more precise when referring to sustainable survival.
Die Tragfähigkeit des Lebensraums liegt langfristig bei etwa dreihundert Tieren.
The habitat's carrying capacity is around 300 animals in the long term.
Die Kapazität des neuen Schutzgebiets wird auf etwa fünfhundert Tiere geschätzt.
The capacity of the new nature reserve is estimated at around 500 animals.
