01
vermeidbar
avoidable
Such that it is possible to avoid or prevent something.
example
Viele Unfälle im Haushalt sind durch einfache Vorsichtsmaßnahmen vermeidbar.
Many household accidents are avoidable through simple precautions.
vermeidbar
avoidable
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word structure
The adjective is derived from the verb 'vermeiden' (to avoid). The ending '-bar' means 'possible' and indicates that something can be done. 'Vermeidbar' therefore literally means 'possible to avoid'.
EXAMPLE
Durch bessere Kommunikation wäre das Missverständnis vermeidbar gewesen.
With better communication, the misunderstanding would have been avoidable.
Typical collocations
'Vermeidbar' (avoidable) is often used in connection with negative events or concepts. Typical combinations are 'vermeidbare Fehler' (avoidable mistakes), 'vermeidbare Unfälle' (avoidable accidents), 'vermeidbare Risiken' (avoidable risks), or 'vermeidbare Kosten' (avoidable costs).
EXAMPLE
Der teure Rückruf war die Folge eines vermeidbaren Fehlers in der Qualitätskontrolle.
The expensive recall was the result of an avoidable mistake in quality control.
Use in a sentence
The word is often used in the past tense with 'sein' (to be), e.g. 'war vermeidbar' (was avoidable). This often expresses a retrospective analysis or criticism that a negative event could have been prevented.
EXAMPLE
Der Konflikt zwischen den Abteilungen war absolut vermeidbar.
The conflict between the departments was absolutely avoidable.
Compare with
vermeidbar vs notwendig
necessary
'notwendig' and 'vermeidbar' are opposites here when it comes to whether something has to happen or can be prevented. 'notwendig' fits when something is inevitable because of a situation or has to be done. 'vermeidbar' is used when something did not have to happen because it could have been prevented or avoided. In practical terms: what is 'notwendig' cannot reasonably be avoided; what is 'vermeidbar' did not have to happen.
vermeidbar
Der Fehler im Bericht war vermeidbar, weil niemand die Zahlen geprüft hat.
The mistake in the report was avoidable because no one checked the figures.
notwendig
Nach dem Unfall war eine schnelle Reparatur am Auto notwendig.
After the accident, a quick repair to the car was necessary.
In real life
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