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.
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.
expensive
'teuer' and 'unbezahlbar' can both have to do with high value. 'teuer' is mostly used when something costs a lot of money. 'unbezahlbar' is stronger: it can mean that something is so expensive that one cannot afford it. Very often, however, 'unbezahlbar' also means that something has a value that cannot be measured in money, for example help, time, or a beautiful experience. In everyday language, people usually say 'teuer' for prices. 'unbezahlbar' fits better when the value is especially great or goes beyond money.
Die Unterstützung meiner Freunde war in dieser schweren Zeit unbezahlbar.
The support of my friends was priceless during this difficult time.
Die Jacke ist schön, aber für mich viel zu teuer.
The jacket is nice, but far too expensive for me.