tragbar
/ˈtʁaːkbaːɐ̯/
The English word 'portable' is translated into German as tragbar or portabel.
Meaning: able to be carried or moved (adj)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| tragbar | /ˈtʁaːkbaːɐ̯/ |
| portabel |
Both terms describe something that is able to be carried or moved.
What does it mean word for word?
The word tragbar is composed of the verb tragen (to carry) and the suffix -bar (able to be).
Which one should you use?
While portabel and tragbar both mean portable, tragbar is the more common, standard German word, whereas portabel sounds more technical or loanword-based.
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as an adjective before a masculine noun in the accusative case, tragbar takes the ending -en, as in einen tragbaren Computer.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtʁaːkbaːɐ̯/
Did you know?
- If a German speaker says a situation is nicht mehr tragbar, they aren't talking about moving an object, but saying the situation is 'unbearable'.
- The German word for 'portable' uses the same root as the verb tragen, which also means 'to wear' clothing.
- The word tragbar is closely related to erträglich, which means 'bearable'. Both stem from the root of 'carrying' a burden.
Examples in context
- Das Gerät ist tragbar.The device is portable.This sentence is useful for describing the portability of a device using tragbar.Tatoeba #2450258 by freddy1, translation #3647304 by pathem
- Tom sah sich auf einem tragbaren DVD-Spieler einen Film an.Tom watched a movie on a portable DVD player.This sentence shows how to use the adjective tragbar to describe a DVD player.Tatoeba #7741594 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #5418255 by Hybrid
- Ich habe ’97 auf der Büroausstellung in Tōkyō von Ihrem tragbaren Kopiergerät erfahren.I learned about your portable copier at the Tokyo-Office '97 Expo.This sentence demonstrates the use of tragbar when referring to a copier.Tatoeba #2193213 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #20164 by fishda
- Ich suche ein tragbares Gerät, um meine Daten unterwegs zu speichern.I'm looking for a portable device to store my data on the go.
- Das Mobiltelefon ist sehr praktisch, da es leicht und mobil ist.The mobile phone is very practical since it's lightweight and portable.
- Die tragbare Campingausrüstung erleichterte unsere Wanderung.The portable camping equipment made our hike easier.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felix and Hannah are in a music store looking at equipment.
- FelixIst dieser Lautsprecher wirklich tragbar?Is this speaker really portable?
- HannahJa, er ist sehr leicht und tragbar.Yes, it is very light and portable.
- FelixDas ist perfekt für unsere Wanderung.That is perfect for our hike.
- HannahDann nimm ihn doch mit, Felix.Then take it with you, Felix.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “portable” translations and entries tragbar, portabel, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
