Such that one can picture it in one's mind or consider it as a possibility; conceivable, thinkable.
example
Eine Welt ohne Internet ist für junge Menschen kaum noch vorstellbar.
A world without the internet is hardly imaginable anymore for young people.
Usage tips
Word structure
The word is built from the verb 'sich etwas vorstellen' (to imagine something) and the ending '-bar'. The ending '-bar' means '-able' or '-ible' in English and indicates that something is possible. So 'vorstellbar' literally means that one can imagine it.
EXAMPLE
Ein Leben ohne Strom ist für uns kaum vorstellbar.
A life without electricity is hardly imaginable for us.
Sentence structure
A very common construction with 'vorstellbar' begins with 'Es ist ...' (It is ...). This is often followed by a subordinate clause with 'dass' (that) or an infinitive construction with 'zu' (to).
EXAMPLE
Es ist durchaus vorstellbar, dass die Preise weiter steigen.
It is certainly imaginable that prices will continue to rise.
Typical collocations
'Vorstellbar' is very often combined with adverbs that describe the degree of possibility. Common combinations are 'kaum vorstellbar' (hardly imaginable), 'schwer vorstellbar' (hard to imagine), 'gut vorstellbar' (quite conceivable), or 'nicht vorstellbar' (not imaginable).
EXAMPLE
Es ist gut vorstellbar, dass wir nächstes Jahr nach Italien reisen.
It is quite conceivable that we will travel to Italy next year.
Compare with
near_synonym
vorstellbar vs möglich
possible
'möglich' and 'vorstellbar' overlap when something may possibly happen. 'möglich' says in general that something is not ruled out. 'vorstellbar' puts more emphasis on the idea in your mind: you can imagine a situation or accept it as an explanation. Something can be 'vorstellbar' even if it is not yet clear whether it is really feasible. In everyday language, 'möglich' is more neutral; 'vorstellbar' fits especially well with ideas, plans, or explanations.
vorstellbar
Nach dem Gespräch ist für sie auch ein Urlaub in den Bergen vorstellbar.
After the conversation, a vacation in the mountains is also imaginable for her.
möglich
Bei der Arbeit ist ein späterer Start für das Projekt möglich.
At work, a later start for the project is possible.