impractical
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impractical
Describes an object, tool, or arrangement that is unsuitable for its intended purpose, awkward, or difficult to handle.
Weiße Sofas sind schön, aber sehr unpraktisch, wenn man Kinder hat.
White sofas are beautiful, but very impractical if you have children.
impractical
Describes an idea, plan, or suggestion that may sound good in theory but is difficult or not sensible to implement in practice.
Jeden Tag zwei Stunden zur Arbeit zu pendeln, ist auf Dauer unpraktisch.
Commuting two hours to work every day is impractical in the long run.
impractical
Describes a person who is clumsy with their hands or has difficulty doing practical tasks.
Ich bin total unpraktisch, ich kann nicht einmal einen Nagel gerade in die Wand schlagen.
I'm totally impractical; I can't even hammer a nail straight into the wall.
The word is made up of the prefix 'un-' and the adjective 'praktisch' (practical). The prefix 'un-' negates the base word and means 'not'. So 'unpraktisch' (impractical) is the exact opposite of 'praktisch' (practical).
Ein Rucksack mit nur einem großen Fach ist oft unpraktisch.
A backpack with only one large compartment is often impractical.
If you want to express for whom or what something is impractical, you use the preposition 'für' followed by the accusative.
Diese kleinen Tasten sind für Menschen mit großen Händen unpraktisch.
These small buttons are impractical for people with large hands.
The context shows what is meant: If 'unpraktisch' (impractical) refers to an object, it is awkward to use. If it refers to an idea, it is difficult to implement. If it refers to a person, they are clumsy with their hands.
Die Jacke ohne Taschen ist unpraktisch. (Gegenstand)
The jacket without pockets is impractical. (object)
When referring to objects, 'unpraktisch' (impractical) is often used for clothing, furniture, or tools that do not serve their purpose well.
Hohe Absätze sind auf Kopfsteinpflaster sehr unpraktisch.
High heels are very impractical on cobblestones.
unsuitable
Ungeeignet means that something does not meet the requirements of a particular purpose. Unpraktisch often allows for the possibility that it can still be used, but only awkwardly or with difficulty. If something is fundamentally unsuitable, use ungeeignet; if it merely makes use more difficult, use unpraktisch.
Der schwere Koffer ist für den Flug unpraktisch, lässt sich aber benutzen.
The heavy suitcase is impractical for the flight, but it can still be used.
Der Koffer ohne Verschluss ist für den Flug ungeeignet.
The suitcase without a fastener is unsuitable for the flight.
