German word

brauchbar

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈbʁaʊ̯xbaːɐ̯/

Meaning

  • adjectiveuseful

Example

Ein brauchbarer Tipp ist oft hilfreich.

A useful tip is often helpful.

Illustration for brauchbar (useful)

More examples

Das alte Smartphone ist noch brauchbar für einfache Aufgaben.

The old smartphone is still usable for simple tasks.

Core concept

A tool or piece of information that does the job it is meant to do.

Common phrases

  • brauchbar sein

    be useful

  • brauchbar für den Alltag

    useful for everyday life

  • technisch brauchbar

    technically usable

Similar words

nützlich: Bringing benefit or contributing to a desired result.
praktisch: Convenient to use in ordinary daily situations.
hilfreich: Providing support in solving a problem or completing a task.
geeignet: Fitting a specific purpose or given conditions.

Definition in German

Für einen konkreten Zweck geeignet und tatsächlich nutzbar.

Word origin

Brauchbar combines the verb brauchen ('to need' or 'to use') with the suffix -bar, which forms adjectives meaning 'able to be'.

Usage tips

  • Brauchbar often describes adequacy for a task, while nützlich more directly describes something that provides benefit.

Other meanings

  • usableadjective
  • practicaladjective

Opposites

  • unbrauchbarunusableadjective
  • nutzlosuselessadjective

Related words

  • Brauchbarkeitusefulnessnoun
  • gebrauchbarusableadjective

Word lists with this word