zugänglich
accessible
Designed or situated in such a way that one can easily reach or enter a place.
EXAMPLE
Der neue Bahnhof ist für Rollstuhlfahrer barrierefrei zugänglich.
The new train station is fully accessible for wheelchair users.
zugänglich
accessible
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
zugänglich
accessible
Presented or explained in a way that is easy to understand.
EXAMPLE
Das Buch macht ein kompliziertes wissenschaftliches Thema auch für Laien zugänglich.
The book makes a complicated scientific topic accessible even to laypeople.
zugänglich
approachable
The quality of a person being open, easy to talk to, and sociable.
EXAMPLE
Trotz ihres Erfolgs ist die Schauspielerin eine sehr freundliche und zugängliche Person geblieben.
Despite her success, the actress has remained a very friendly and approachable person.
Usage tips
Word structure
The word consists of 'zu' and 'gänglich', which comes from the verb 'gehen' (to go), through the old word 'Gang' (way, passage). Something that is 'zugänglich' (accessible) is therefore literally something you can 'go to'.
EXAMPLE
Der Park ist für die Öffentlichkeit frei zugänglich.
The park is freely accessible to the public.
Use with 'für'
'Zugänglich' (accessible) is often used with the preposition 'für' + accusative. This specifies for which group or purpose something is accessible.
EXAMPLE
Diese Ausstellung ist auch für Kinder sehr gut zugänglich.
This exhibition is also very accessible for children.
Context clues
The context reveals the meaning: If it is about a place (e.g., a building, park), spatial accessibility is meant. If it is about knowledge or art (e.g., a book, topic), understandability is meant. If it refers to a person, it means their open character.
EXAMPLE
Der Strand ist nur bei Ebbe zugänglich.
The beach is only accessible at low tide.
Typical collocation
In the meaning of 'verständlich' (understandable), the construction 'etwas zugänglich machen' (to make something accessible) is often used. It means to explain a complex topic in a simple way.
EXAMPLE
Der Professor hat die Fähigkeit, komplizierte Theorien für Studenten zugänglich zu machen.
The professor has the ability to make complicated theories accessible to students.
Compare with
klaroffenverständlicherreichbarabrufbarbarrierefreitoleranteinsehbarempfänglichansprechbarverträglich
zugänglich vs klar
clear
An explanation can be both clear and accessible because both words make it easier to understand. Klar mainly emphasizes unambiguity and a clearly recognizable structure, while zugänglich emphasizes a low barrier to understanding for readers. Use „klar“ when the statement is unambiguous, and „zugänglich“ when it seems especially easy to understand.
zugänglich
Die Anleitung ist zugänglich und erklärt den schwierigen Inhalt auch für Anfänger.
The instructions are accessible and explain the difficult content even to beginners.
klar
Die Anleitung ist klar und zeigt jeden Schritt in der richtigen Reihenfolge.
The instructions are clear and show each step in the correct order.
In real life
Loading video examples...