01
unerträglich
unbearable
So unpleasant, painful, or disturbing that one can hardly or not at all endure it.
example
Die Hitze in der Dachgeschosswohnung war im August unerträglich.
The heat in the attic apartment was unbearable in August.
unerträglich
unbearable
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
The word is built logically: the prefix 'un-' negates the verb 'ertragen' (to endure), and the ending '-lich' turns it into an adjective. So it literally means 'not to be endured'.
EXAMPLE
Der Lärm von der Baustelle ist einfach unerträglich.
The noise from the construction site is simply unbearable.
Sentence structure and use
To express for whom something is unbearable, you use the preposition 'für' followed by the accusative. This construction is very common.
EXAMPLE
Für empfindliche Ohren ist diese Musik unerträglich.
For sensitive ears, this music is unbearable.
Typical collocations
'Unerträglich' (unbearable) often describes strong sensory perceptions or feelings. Common combinations are 'unerträgliche Hitze' (unbearable heat), 'unerträglicher Schmerz' (unbearable pain), 'unerträglicher Lärm' (unbearable noise), or 'unerträglicher Gestank' (unbearable stench).
EXAMPLE
Nach der Zahn-OP hatte er unerträgliche Schmerzen.
After the dental surgery, he had unbearable pain.
Compare with
unerträglich vs unmöglich
impossible
'unmöglich' and 'unerträglich' can both describe something or someone very negatively. For people or behavior, 'unmöglich' mainly means that something is completely rude, inappropriate, or unacceptable. 'unerträglich' puts more emphasis on the fact that you can hardly stand something, for example noise, pain, or a very annoying person. When talking about bad behavior, 'unmöglich' often sounds more natural. When talking about heavy strain or something very disturbing, 'unerträglich' is more precise.
unerträglich
Der Lärm im Haus ist so unerträglich, dass ich mich nicht konzentrieren kann.
The noise in the house is so unbearable that I can't concentrate.
unmöglich
Sein Verhalten beim Gespräch war unmöglich.
His behavior during the conversation was unacceptable.
In real life
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