unreasonable / unacceptable
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unreasonable / unacceptable
Describes a condition, demand, or situation that one cannot reasonably ask of a person because it is too burdensome, unpleasant, or unacceptable.
Die Arbeitsbedingungen in dieser Fabrik sind absolut unzumutbar.
The working conditions in this factory are absolutely unacceptable.
The word is based on the verb 'zumuten' (to expect someone to put up with something / to impose something on someone). 'Jemandem etwas zumuten' means to demand or expect something of someone. 'Unzumutbar' (unreasonable/unacceptable) is therefore a demand that one cannot reasonably make.
Diese Aufgabe kann man einem Anfänger nicht zumuten.
You can't ask a beginner to do this task.
'Unzumutbar' (unreasonable/unacceptable) is often used in sentences with 'sein' (to be). You can add the affected person with 'für' (for), or describe an action with 'zu + infinitive' (to + infinitive).
Diese Lautstärke ist für die Nachbarn unzumutbar.
This level of noise is unacceptable for the neighbors.
'Unzumutbar' (unreasonable/unacceptable) often describes negative situations. Typical nouns are 'unzumutbare Zustände' (unacceptable conditions), 'unzumutbare Bedingungen' (unreasonable/unacceptable conditions), or 'eine unzumutbare Belastung' (an unreasonable burden).
Die hygienischen Zustände in der alten Wohnung waren unzumutbar.
The hygienic conditions in the old apartment were unacceptable.
unbearable
'unerträglich' and 'unzumutbar' both describe something that is very burdensome or unpleasant. 'unerträglich' emphasizes the feeling: something is so bad that one can hardly bear it. This can be noise, pain, heat, or even a person. 'unzumutbar' evaluates a condition or demand: one cannot reasonably impose it on a person because it is too burdensome or unfair. The words can be confused because both express strong rejection. 'unerträglich' sounds more personal; 'unzumutbar' fits especially well when talking about rules, work, living conditions, or obligations.
Zwölf Stunden Arbeit ohne richtige Pause sind für die Mitarbeiter unzumutbar.
Twelve hours of work without a proper break are unreasonable for the employees.
Der Lehrer findet den Lärm im Klassenraum unerträglich.
The teacher finds the noise in the classroom unbearable.