01
überschaubar
manageable
Such that one can easily grasp, understand, or handle it because it is not too large or complex.
example
Die Anzahl der Aufgaben für heute ist überschaubar.
The number of tasks for today is manageable.
überschaubar
manageable
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
The word is made up of the verb 'überschauen' (to survey/grasp) and the ending '-bar' (-able). 'Überschauen' means to take something in with the eyes or mentally. The ending '-bar' means 'capable of' or 'possible'. So 'überschaubar' (manageable) literally means 'what one can survey/grasp'.
EXAMPLE
Die Risiken des Projekts sind klar und überschaubar.
The risks of the project are clear and manageable.
Typical collocations
'Überschaubar' (manageable) is often used to describe the size or complexity of things. Typical combinations are 'eine überschaubare Anzahl' (a manageable number), 'überschaubare Kosten' (manageable costs), or 'ein überschaubarer Aufwand' (a manageable amount of effort).
EXAMPLE
Zum Glück war der finanzielle Schaden überschaubar.
Fortunately, the financial damage was manageable.
Ironic use
'Überschaubar' (limited/manageable) is often used ironically or as a euphemism for 'small', 'little', or 'disappointing'. The tone or context makes this meaning clear.
EXAMPLE
Die Begeisterung für meinen Vorschlag war eher überschaubar.
The enthusiasm for my proposal was rather limited.
Compare with
überschaubar vs gering
low / slight
'gering' and 'überschaubar' can both mean that something is not large. 'gering' mainly describes a small amount, a small extent, or a weak intensity. 'überschaubar' emphasizes more that something is small enough to understand, plan, or handle well. Sometimes 'überschaubar' also sounds friendly or mildly euphemistic for 'not especially large'. With numbers or risks, 'gering' is often more precise. With tasks, groups, or costs, 'überschaubar' sounds more natural when you want to say: this is still easy to keep track of.
überschaubar
Die Aufgaben für diese Woche sind überschaubar, wenn wir heute anfangen.
The tasks for this week are manageable if we start today.
gering
Die Zahl der Fehler war gering, deshalb bestand Tom die Prüfung ohne Probleme.
The number of mistakes was low, so Tom passed the exam without any problems.
In real life
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