vertretbar
justifiable
In such a way that one can take responsibility for it or justify it; acceptable or plausible.
EXAMPLE
Ein gewisses Risiko ist bei diesem Projekt noch vertretbar.
A certain amount of risk is still justifiable in this project.
vertretbar
justifiable / acceptable
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Meanings
vertretbar
representable
Having the quality that one can be represented by someone else.
EXAMPLE
Bei der Versammlung sind alle abwesenden Mitglieder durch einen Bevollmächtigten vertretbar.
At the meeting, all absent members can be represented by an authorized representative.
Usage tips
Word structure
The adjective consists of the verb 'vertreten' (to represent / to stand for) and the ending '-bar'. The ending '-bar' means that something is possible. So 'vertretbar' literally means that something or someone can be 'vertreten' (represented).
EXAMPLE
Seine Entscheidung ist unter diesen Umständen vertretbar.
His decision is justifiable under these circumstances.
Context clue
The most common meaning is 'acceptable' or 'morally okay' (e.g., 'ein vertretbares Risiko' — an acceptable risk). The rarer meaning, that a person can be replaced or represented by another person, is found almost only in formal or legal contexts.
EXAMPLE
Die Kosten für die Reparatur sind noch vertretbar.
The costs for the repair are still acceptable.
Typical collocations
In the meaning of 'acceptable', the word is often combined with nouns such as 'Risiko' (risk), 'Kosten' (costs), 'Aufwand' (effort), or 'Lösung' (solution). It can also be specified more closely by adverbs such as 'moralisch' (morally), 'ethisch' (ethically), or 'finanziell' (financially).
EXAMPLE
Aus ökologischer Sicht ist dieses Projekt nicht vertretbar.
From an ecological point of view, this project is not justifiable.
Compare with
vertretbar vs angemessen
appropriate
A decision or measure can be angemessen (appropriate) or vertretbar (justifiable). Angemessen highlights that it fits the situation and is of the right magnitude; vertretbar mainly says that it can be explained and defended. Choose angemessen for the fit and vertretbar for the justification.
vertretbar
Eine kurze Pause war wegen der wichtigen Beratung vertretbar.
A short break was justifiable because of the important consultation.
angemessen
Eine kurze Pause war wegen der kleinen Verzögerung angemessen.
A short break was appropriate because of the minor delay.
In real life
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