justifiable / acceptable
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justifiable
In such a way that one can take responsibility for it or justify it; acceptable or plausible.
Ein gewisses Risiko ist bei diesem Projekt noch vertretbar.
A certain amount of risk is still justifiable in this project.
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).
Seine Entscheidung ist unter diesen Umständen vertretbar.
His decision is justifiable under these circumstances.
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.
Die Kosten für die Reparatur sind noch vertretbar.
The costs for the repair are still acceptable.
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).
Aus ökologischer Sicht ist dieses Projekt nicht vertretbar.
From an ecological point of view, this project is not justifiable.
appropriate
'angemessen' and 'vertretbar' are close in meaning when something is acceptable or right enough. 'angemessen' more strongly says that something really fits the situation or seems fair. 'vertretbar' means more that something can still be defended or justified. It does not have to be ideal, but it is still acceptable. With prices, decisions, or measures, both can fit. 'angemessen' sounds more positive and fitting; 'vertretbar' sounds more cautious.
Frau Demir hält die kurze Wartezeit für vertretbar.
Ms. Demir considers the short waiting time acceptable.
Bei der Arbeit ist ein freundlicher Ton gegenüber Kunden angemessen.
At work, a friendly tone toward customers is appropriate.