unbrauchbar
unusable
Not usable or useful for the intended purpose; defective, unsuitable, or worthless.
EXAMPLE
Das alte Handy ist nach dem Sturz ins Wasser völlig unbrauchbar.
The old phone is completely unusable after falling into the water.
unbrauchbar
unusable
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Meanings
unbrauchbar
useless
Referring to a person who is incapable or completely unsuitable for a particular task or role.
EXAMPLE
Für die Arbeit im Team ist er mit seiner egoistischen Art völlig unbrauchbar.
For working in a team, he is completely useless with his selfish attitude.
Usage tips
Word structure
The word is built simply: the prefix 'un-' negates the adjective 'brauchbar' (usable). 'Brauchbar' in turn derives from the verb 'brauchen' (to need/use) and means 'useful' or 'usable'.
EXAMPLE
Diese alten Batterien sind leider unbrauchbar.
These old batteries are unfortunately unusable.
Construction with 'für'
To specify what something or someone is unsuitable for, the preposition 'für' (for) followed by the accusative is used. The structure is: unbrauchbar für + noun.
EXAMPLE
Diese dünne Jacke ist für eine Winterwanderung unbrauchbar.
This thin jacket is unusable for a winter hike.
Typical intensifiers
To express that something has no use at all, 'unbrauchbar' (unusable) is often intensified with adverbs such as 'völlig' (completely), 'komplett' (completely), or 'total' (totally).
EXAMPLE
Ohne die fehlende Schraube ist das ganze Regal komplett unbrauchbar.
Without the missing screw, the whole shelf is completely unusable.
Strong negative judgment
When 'unbrauchbar' (unusable/useless) is applied to a person, it is a very strong and derogatory statement. It is perceived as insulting and should be used only with great caution.
EXAMPLE
Sein Chef nannte ihn vor allen Kollegen unbrauchbar.
His boss called him useless in front of all his colleagues.
Compare with
unbrauchbar vs nutzlos
useless
Nutzlos describes something that brings no helpful benefit or advantage. Unbrauchbar emphasizes more strongly that it actually cannot be used for its intended purpose, for example because it is defective or unsuitable. Depending on the situation, both words may fit.
unbrauchbar
Die durchnässte Karte ist unbrauchbar, weil man keine Wege mehr erkennen kann.
The soaked map is unusable because none of the roads can be made out anymore.
nutzlos
Die zweite Karte ist nutzlos, weil sie nur dieselben Informationen wie die erste enthält.
The second map is useless because it contains only the same information as the first.
In real life
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