compatible
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compatible
Designed or constituted in such a way that it fits together with something else without creating conflicts or contradictions. It describes the compatibility of two or more things.
Für viele Menschen sind Beruf und Familie nur schwer miteinander vereinbar.
For many people, work and family are difficult to make compatible with each other.
The adjective 'vereinbar' (compatible) is derived from the verb 'vereinbaren' (to arrange, to agree). The ending '-bar' means that something is possible. So 'vereinbar' literally means that two things 'can be brought into harmony.'
Wir müssen einen Termin vereinbaren, der für uns beide passt.
We need to arrange an appointment that works for both of us.
'Vereinbar' (compatible) is almost always used with the preposition 'mit' (with) and the dative. This structure expresses what something is compatible with or fits together with.
Seine Pläne sind nicht mit meinen Zielen vereinbar.
His plans are not compatible with my goals.
'Vereinbar' (compatible) is very often used in the negative form to express that two things do not go together. You then say 'nicht vereinbar' (not compatible) or use the opposite word 'unvereinbar' (incompatible).
Lange Arbeitszeiten sind oft nicht mit einem gesunden Lebensstil vereinbar.
Long working hours are often not compatible with a healthy lifestyle.
A very common construction is 'A und B sind (miteinander) vereinbar' (A and B are compatible with each other). The word 'miteinander' (with each other) emphasizes the mutual nature of the compatibility. Typical topics are work and family or work and free time.
Ich suche eine Lösung, mit der beide Seiten vereinbar sind.
I'm looking for a solution that is compatible with both sides.
suitable / fitting
'passend' and 'vereinbar' can both mean that something fits well with something else. 'passend' is more general and is used for clothing, ideas, appointments, words, or situations. 'vereinbar' is used more when two things are possible together and do not create a conflict. This can be about plans, opinions, rules, or one's own conscience. So the natural phrases are: 'ein passendes Geschenk' (a suitable gift), but 'zwei vereinbare Termine' (two compatible appointments) or 'eine Entscheidung, die mit den Regeln vereinbar ist' (a decision that is consistent with the rules).
Die neue Arbeitszeit ist mit der Kinderbetreuung gut vereinbar.
The new working hours are easy to reconcile with childcare.
Zum Geburtstag meiner Mutter suche ich noch ein passendes Geschenk.
I’m still looking for a suitable gift for my mother’s birthday.