Suffix: bar - Wort des Tages

German Suffix: -bar

A Common German Adjective Suffix

The suffix -bar is a productive and widely used suffix in the German language, primarily employed to form adjectives. It is similar to the English suffix -able or -ible, indicating the possibility or capability of something.

Usage and Formation

Adjectives:

The suffix -bar is used to create adjectives from verbs, suggesting that something can be done or is capable of being done. For example:

essbar (edible) from essen (to eat)
trinkbar (drinkable) from trinken (to drink)
sichtbar (visible) from sehen (to see)

Abstract Concepts:

It is also used to form adjectives that describe abstract qualities or states:

machbar (doable) from machen (to do)
erreichbar (reachable) from erreichen (to reach)
verfügbar (available) from verfügen (to have at one’s disposal)

Grammatical Considerations

When forming adjectives with -bar, the resulting word typically follows standard German adjective declension patterns. This means that the adjective will change its ending based on the gender, case, and number of the noun it modifies.

Examples in Sentences

Das Essen ist essbar (The food is edible)
Das Wasser ist trinkbar (The water is drinkable)
Die Lösung ist machbar (The solution is doable)

Related Suffixes

The suffix -bar is related to other German suffixes that form adjectives, such as -lich (e.g., möglich – possible) and -ig (e.g., lustig – funny). Each suffix has its nuances and specific contexts where it is more appropriate.

Conclusion

The suffix -bar is an essential part of the German language, enabling the formation of descriptive adjectives that convey the possibility or capability of actions and states. Its usage spans everyday language, technical terminology, and abstract concepts, making it a versatile and integral component of German grammar.

ADJEKTIVE –> SUFFIX