01
unerreichbar
inaccessible
Not reachable spatially or physically; inaccessible.
example
Nach dem Erdrutsch war das Dorf für mehrere Tage völlig unerreichbar.
After the landslide, the village was completely inaccessible for several days.
unerreichbar
unreachable
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 03
Usage tips
Word structure
The word is made up of the prefix 'un-' and 'erreichbar' (reachable). 'Erreichbar' comes from the verb 'erreichen' (to reach). 'Unerreichbar' therefore literally means 'not reachable', which can refer to places, people, or goals.
EXAMPLE
Der Gipfel des Berges ist bei diesem Wetter unerreichbar.
The mountain peak is unreachable in this weather.
Context clue
The context makes the meaning clear: with places, it is about physical accessibility. With people, it is about contact by phone or email. With goals, dreams, or records, it is about achievability.
EXAMPLE
Das entlegene Bergdorf ist im Winter oft unerreichbar. (Ort)
The remote mountain village is often inaccessible in winter. (place)
Sentence structure with 'für'
'Unerreichbar' is very often used with the preposition 'für' (for) and an accusative object to specify for whom or what something is not reachable.
EXAMPLE
Diese hohe Qualität ist für die Konkurrenz unerreichbar.
This high level of quality is unattainable for the competition.
Compare with
unerreichbar vs unmöglich
impossible
'unmöglich' and 'unerreichbar' can both express that something is not possible. The difference is in the perspective. 'unmöglich' is generally used when an action, plan, or event is not feasible. 'unerreichbar' is used when you cannot reach a goal, a place, a person, or a level. This can be spatial, by phone, or meant figuratively. When it is about feasibility in general, 'unmöglich' is more natural. When something is too far away, not contactable, or too high as a goal, 'unerreichbar' is more precise.
unerreichbar
Maria ist seit dem Morgen unerreichbar, weil ihr Handy ausgeschaltet ist.
Maria has been unreachable since this morning because her phone is switched off.
unmöglich
Ohne Passwort ist der Zugriff auf die Datei unmöglich.
Without the password, access to the file is impossible.
In real life
Loading video examples...