priceless / unaffordable
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priceless
So valuable that it cannot be bought with money or its value cannot be expressed in monetary terms. Often used for ideal or emotional values.
Die Erinnerungen an die Zeit mit meinen Großeltern sind für mich unbezahlbar.
The memories of the time with my grandparents are priceless to me.
unaffordable
Extremely expensive, so that one cannot afford it financially.
Für eine normale Familie sind die Immobilienpreise in der Innenstadt unbezahlbar geworden.
For an ordinary family, real estate prices in the city center have become unaffordable.
The word consists of the prefix 'un-' (a negation) and the adjective 'bezahlbar' (affordable). Literally, it means 'not affordable/payable'. This structure explains both meanings: something can be so expensive that you cannot pay for it, or so valuable that you cannot weigh it against money.
Seine Ehrlichkeit ist eine unbezahlbare Eigenschaft.
His honesty is a priceless quality.
You can recognize the meaning 'very valuable' from the fact that 'unbezahlbar' (priceless) is used with abstract nouns such as 'Erfahrung' (experience), 'Hilfe' (help), 'Moment' (moment), or 'Freundschaft' (friendship). If it refers to concrete things that can be bought, such as 'Auto' (car) or 'Wohnung' (apartment), the meaning is usually 'too expensive'.
Die Hilfe meiner Freunde in dieser schweren Zeit war unbezahlbar.
My friends' help during this difficult time was priceless.
In the meaning 'of inestimable value', the word is often combined with positive, ideal values. Typical phrases are 'unbezahlbare Erfahrungen sammeln' (to gain priceless experiences), 'ein unbezahlbarer Rat' (priceless advice), or 'unbezahlbare Momente erleben' (to experience priceless moments).
Auf meiner Reise habe ich unbezahlbare Erfahrungen gesammelt.
On my trip, I gained priceless experiences.
When 'unbezahlbar' means 'too expensive' or 'unaffordable', it usually refers to luxury goods, services, or the cost of living. Common combinations are 'unbezahlbare Mieten' (unaffordable rents), 'unbezahlbarer Schmuck' (unaffordable jewelry), or 'unbezahlbare Kunstwerke' (unaffordable works of art).
Die Mieten in der Innenstadt sind für Studierende fast unbezahlbar.
The rents in the city center are almost unaffordable for students.
unacceptable / unwearable
When costs are extremely high, both words can express that a financial burden is too great. „Unbezahlbar“ directly states that one cannot afford something, while „untragbar“ emphasizes a burden that can no longer be managed or its consequences. „Unbezahlbar“ usually fits the price, while „untragbar“ fits the burden.
Die Reparatur des alten Autos ist für uns inzwischen unbezahlbar.
The repair of the old car has become unaffordable for us.
Die monatlichen Kosten für das alte Auto sind für uns inzwischen untragbar.
The monthly costs of the old car have become unsustainable for us.
