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B1 adjective 9 min de lectura

genießbar

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos genießbar en 30 segundos

Explicación genießbar in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know that 'genießbar' is a way to say food is 'good to eat' or 'okay.' You might hear it in very simple questions like 'Ist das gut?' or 'Kann man das essen?' While you won't use 'genießbar' often yourself, you should recognize it as a word that comes from 'genießen' (to enjoy). If someone says 'Das ist nicht genießbar,' they mean 'Don't eat that, it tastes bad!' Focus on the connection to food. Think of it as a synonym for 'okay to eat.' You can use it to describe basic things like water, bread, or fruit. At this stage, don't worry about the metaphorical meanings regarding people's moods; just focus on the physical objects you can consume. Use it simply: 'Die Milch ist genießbar' (The milk is okay to drink). This helps you build a foundation for more complex adjectives later on.

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At the A2 level, you can start using 'genießbar' to describe the quality of food in more detail. You are learning to express opinions and describe states. You can use it to talk about freshness. For example, 'Das Brot ist nach drei Tagen noch genießbar' (The bread is still edible after three days). You should also learn the negative form 'ungenießbar.' This is very useful when you go to a restaurant and the food is too salty or cold. You can say 'Das Essen ist ungenießbar' to show your dissatisfaction. You might also start to hear the word used for people, especially with 'noch nicht.' If a friend is very tired and grumpy in the morning, they might say 'Ich bin noch nicht genießbar.' This is a fun, idiomatic way to use your growing vocabulary. Remember that 'genießbar' is always about whether something is 'pleasant' or 'acceptable,' not just if it's possible to swallow.

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At the B1 level, you should master the distinction between 'essbar' and 'genießbar.' This is a key milestone in your vocabulary development. 'Essbar' is a technical term (non-toxic), while 'genießbar' is a qualitative term (tastes okay/is safe). You should be able to use 'genießbar' in a variety of contexts: discussing food waste, describing a difficult colleague, or evaluating the quality of tap water in a foreign country. You should also be comfortable with adjective endings, such as 'ein genießbarer Wein.' At this level, you can use the word to add nuance to your descriptions. Instead of just saying 'Das Wetter ist schlecht,' you might say 'Die Hitze macht den Tag ungenießbar' (The heat makes the day unbearable). You are now using the word to describe experiences, not just physical objects. This level requires you to understand the social cues associated with the word, especially when describing someone's mood.

At the B2 level, you use 'genießbar' and its variants with precision. you understand that 'ungenießbar' can be used for abstract concepts like a 'Klima' (atmosphere) in a company or a 'Ton' (tone) in a conversation. You can use it to critique art, literature, or media. For example, 'Die Übersetzung dieses Buches ist völlig ungenießbar' (The translation of this book is completely unreadable/unpleasant). You should also be familiar with related words like 'verzehrbar' (consumable) and 'abkömmlich' (available/dispensable), and know when 'genießbar' is the better choice. You can use it in more complex grammatical structures, like 'Das Wasser wurde durch die Filteranlage wieder genießbar gemacht.' You understand the subtle irony when someone uses 'genießbar' to describe something that is just barely acceptable. Your use of the word reflects a deeper understanding of German cultural standards for quality and social behavior.

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At the C1 level, 'genießbar' becomes a tool for sophisticated commentary. You can use it to discuss complex topics like food ethics, environmental safety, and psychological states. You might use it in a formal essay to describe the 'Genießbarkeit' (edibility/palatability) of a certain political discourse or social situation. You are aware of the word's etymological roots and how it relates to the concept of 'Genuss' (pleasure/enjoyment) in German philosophy. You can distinguish between 'ungenießbar' and more academic terms like 'inakzeptabel' or 'unzumutbar,' choosing 'ungenießbar' when you want to emphasize a sensory or emotional distaste. You can also use it in creative writing to describe atmospheres: 'Die Stille im Raum war fast schon ungenießbar.' At this level, your command of the word allows you to play with its meanings, using it sarcastically or metaphorically in high-level discussions.

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At the C2 level, you have a native-like grasp of 'genießbar.' You recognize it in all its forms, including rare literary uses or archaic contexts where it might relate to legal rights of 'enjoyment' of a property. You can use it to discuss the nuances of wine tasting, where 'genießbar' might be a polite way of saying a wine is mediocre, or in high-level psychological analyses of personality types. You understand the historical development of the word from its Old High German roots and how its meaning has shifted from 'useful' to 'enjoyable.' You can effortlessly integrate it into complex, multi-clause sentences and use it to express the finest shades of meaning in both professional and literary German. Your use of 'genießbar' is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker, whether you are discussing the safety of a chemical substance or the irritable nature of a famous philosopher.

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Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

genießbar en 30 segundos

Genießbar means 'edible' or 'fit for consumption,' focusing on quality and taste.
It is frequently used for food safety (e.g., checking if milk is still good).
Metaphorically, it describes a person's mood—usually someone who is grumpy is 'nicht genießbar.'
The opposite is 'ungenießbar,' meaning inedible or unbearable.

The German adjective genießbar is a fascinating word that bridges the gap between biological safety and sensory pleasure. Rooted in the verb genießen (to enjoy), it literally translates to "enjoyable" or "consumable." However, its practical application in German life is much broader than its English counterpart "edible." While "essbar" refers to whether something is physically possible to eat without dying, genießbar refers to whether something is in a state where it should be eaten or is pleasant to eat. If a soup is too salty, it is still essbar (you won't die), but it is ungenießbar (unpalatable/inedible). This distinction is crucial for B1 learners who are moving beyond basic survival German into more nuanced descriptions of quality and experience.

The Culinary Context: In the kitchen, this word is your primary tool for discussing food safety and quality. It is frequently used when checking the fridge for leftovers. If you ask, "Ist die Milch noch genießbar?", you aren't just asking if it's poisonous; you're asking if it still tastes good and hasn't soured. It covers everything from the freshness of bread to the balance of spices in a complex sauce.

Nach drei Tagen in der Sonne war der Fisch nicht mehr genießbar.

The Metaphorical Extension: Perhaps the most uniquely German use of genießbar is its application to human temperament. In German culture, a person who is grumpy, irritable, or difficult to deal with is often described as "nicht genießbar." This is most common in the morning. A "Morgenmuffel" (morning grouch) is someone who is noch nicht genießbar until they have had their first cup of coffee. It implies that their company is currently "unpalatable" to others.

Furthermore, the word appears in social and environmental contexts. Water from a fountain might be labeled as "kein Trinkwasser," which effectively makes it nicht genießbar for drinking purposes. In a broader sense, a situation or an atmosphere can be ungenießbar if it is so tense or unpleasant that one cannot stay in it. Understanding this word requires recognizing the German value of Qualität (quality)—it is not enough for something to exist; it must be of a standard that allows for its intended enjoyment.

Ohne seinen Kaffee ist mein Chef am frühen Morgen absolut nicht genießbar.

Formal vs. Informal: While you can use it casually at home, it also appears in formal reports regarding food safety (Lebensmittelkontrolle). If a restaurant is shut down, the official report might state that the stored goods were "nicht mehr für den menschlichen Verzehr genießbar." This dual role makes it a versatile adjective for any B1 student's vocabulary.

Using genießbar correctly involves understanding its placement as a predicative adjective (after verbs like 'sein' or 'bleiben') or an attributive adjective (before a noun). Because it ends in '-bar,' it follows standard adjective declension rules when placed before a noun. However, it is most frequently found in the predicate position to describe the state of something.

Describing Food Quality: When you want to express that food has gone bad or was cooked poorly, you use the negation. "Die Suppe ist versalzen und daher ungenießbar." Note how the prefix 'un-' is the standard way to negate this adjective. You rarely say 'nicht genießbar' in a formal culinary context; 'ungenießbar' is the preferred, stronger term for 'inedible' due to quality.

Ist das Leitungswasser in diesem Land genießbar?

Describing People's Moods: When applying this to people, it almost always occurs in the negative and often with a temporal qualifier like 'noch nicht' (not yet) or 'heute' (today). "Lass ihn in Ruhe, er ist heute ungenießbar." This implies that the person is so grumpy that interacting with them provides no 'enjoyment' or is simply too difficult.

Nach der harten Niederlage war der Trainer für niemanden genießbar.

Attributive Use: If you use it before a noun, remember the endings: "Ein genießbarer Wein" (A drinkable wine), "Eine genießbare Mahlzeit" (An edible meal). It often carries a slightly lukewarm connotation here—not 'excellent,' but 'acceptable.'

In advanced sentences, you might see it combined with modal particles or adverbs to soften or strengthen the claim. "Das Essen war gerade noch genießbar" implies it was on the verge of being inedible. "Er ist kaum genießbar" suggests a very high level of irritability. Mastery of these nuances allows you to describe sensory and social experiences with the precision expected at the B1-B2 levels.

In the daily life of a German speaker, genießbar pops up in three primary environments: the domestic kitchen, the workplace, and in consumer health warnings. Understanding these contexts helps you recognize the 'vibe' of the word.

The 'Morning-After' Fridge Check: Germans are generally very conscious of 'Mindesthaltbarkeitsdatum' (best-before dates) but also practical. You will hear roommates asking each other: "Meinst du, der Joghurt ist noch genießbar?" It’s a request for a sensory evaluation—does it smell right? Does it look okay? It is the standard word for 'still good' in the context of food safety.

Der Wein hat zu lange offen gestanden und ist jetzt kaum noch genießbar.

The Office and Social Circles: In the workplace, you'll hear this word used as a warning. If a colleague is having a terrible day, someone might whisper: "Vorsicht, der Chef ist heute absolut ungenießbar." This acts as a social signal to keep your distance. It’s a polite yet descriptive way to say someone is in a foul mood without using more offensive slang.

Frühstücke erst mal, du bist ja noch gar nicht genießbar!

Public Health and News: In news reports about water pollution or food recalls, genießbar is the technical term used to describe whether the public can safely consume a product. If a chemical spill occurs, the news might report: "Das Grundwasser ist bis auf Weiteres nicht genießbar." Here, it takes on a more serious, life-safety meaning.

You might also encounter it in literature or film reviews. A critic might describe a movie's dialogue as "kaum genießbar," meaning it was so poorly written that it was painful to listen to. This abstract use shows the word's flexibility in describing anything that is 'consumed' by the senses.

While genießbar seems straightforward, English speakers often trip over its relationship with similar-sounding or similar-meaning words. Avoiding these pitfalls will make your German sound much more natural.

Confusing 'genießbar' with 'essbar': This is the most frequent error. 'Essbar' simply means 'non-toxic' or 'physically possible to eat.' A piece of cardboard is not 'essbar.' A very old, dry piece of bread is 'essbar' (it won't kill you) but it is 'ungenießbar' (you wouldn't want to eat it). Use 'genießbar' when quality is the issue, and 'essbar' when discussing biological possibility.

Falsch: Diese Pilze sind genießbar (wenn man meint, sie sind nicht giftig). Richtig: Diese Pilze sind essbar.

Misusing 'genüsslich': Learners often confuse 'genießbar' with 'genüsslich.' While both come from 'genießen,' 'genüsslich' is an adverb describing how someone does something (e.g., eating with great pleasure). 'Genießbar' describes the object being consumed. You eat a genießbare soup genüsslich.

Er aß den genießbaren Kuchen sehr genüsslich.

Overusing it for 'tasty': 'Genießbar' is a low bar. It means 'fit for consumption.' If you want to say food is delicious, use 'lecker,' 'köstlich,' or 'vorzüglich.' Calling a chef's five-course meal 'genießbar' might actually be seen as an insult, as it implies it was 'just okay' or 'barely edible.'

Finally, remember the negation. Beginners often say "nicht gut zu essen." While understandable, using "ungenießbar" immediately elevates your register to a more native-like B1 level. It shows you understand the specific German way of categorizing the quality of experience.

To truly master genießbar, you must know its neighbors. German has several words for 'edible' or 'pleasant,' each with a specific flavor.

Essbar vs. Genießbar: As discussed, essbar is about biology and safety (non-toxic). Genießbar is about the quality of the experience. You can eat an 'essbar' bug, but it probably isn't 'genießbar' for most people.
Trinkbar: Specifically for liquids. While you can say water is 'genießbar,' using 'trinkbar' is more common when referring to whether water is potable. For wine, 'trinkbar' often means it's a decent, average wine.
Schmackhaft: This is a step up from 'genießbar.' It means 'tasty' or 'savory.' If 'genießbar' is a 5/10, 'schmackhaft' is a 7/10. It’s a very common word in restaurant menus.

Das Wasser ist zwar trinkbar, aber nicht besonders schmackhaft.

Zumutbar: When using 'genießbar' for people/situations, a synonym is 'zumutbar' (reasonable/bearable). If a person is 'ungenießbar,' their behavior is 'unzumutbar' (unacceptable/unreasonable). 'Zumutbar' is more formal and often used in legal or professional contexts.

In summary, choose your word based on the intensity of the experience. Use 'essbar' for survival, 'genießbar' for baseline quality, 'schmackhaft' for enjoyment, and 'köstlich' for high-end culinary delight. For people, 'genießbar' remains the most colorful and common way to describe a mood in everyday German.

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

The root 'niess-' in genießbar is also found in the German word 'Nießbrauch' (usufruct), which is a legal term for the right to use and enjoy the profits of someone else's property.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /ɡəˈniːsbaː/

US /ɡəˈnisbɑr/

The primary stress is on the second syllable: ge-NIEß-bar.

Rima con

lesbar essbar fassbar messbar passbar absehbar kostbar haltbar

Errores comunes

Pronouncing 'ie' as 'ei' (like 'eye'). It must be a long 'ee'.
Pronouncing 'g' as 'j'. It is a hard 'g' like in 'go'.
Stress on the first syllable.
Making the 'e' in 'ge' too long.
Hardening the 's' sound (it should be a soft 'z' sound).

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 2/5

Easy to recognize if you know 'genießen'.

Escritura 3/5

Requires correct spelling of 'ß' and 'ie'.

Expresión oral 3/5

Pronunciation of 'ge-nieß-bar' needs practice.

Escucha 2/5

Clear phonetic structure.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

genießen essen trinken gut schlecht

Aprende después

schmackhaft bekömmlich der Genuss die Haltbarkeit

Avanzado

der Nießbrauch die Genießbarkeit verzehrfertig

Gramática que debes saber

Adjective Suffix -bar

essbar, trinkbar, machbar, sichtbar

Negation with un-

ungenießbar, unglücklich, unsichtbar

Adjective Declension

ein genießbarer Apfel, eine genießbare Suppe

Predicative vs. Attributive

Die Suppe ist genießbar vs. Die genießbare Suppe

Comparison of Adjectives

genießbarer, am genießbarsten (though rare for this word)

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Ejemplos por nivel

Der Apfel ist gut und genießbar.

The apple is good and edible.

Simple predicative adjective.

Ist das Wasser genießbar?

Is the water drinkable?

Question with 'sein'.

Das Brot ist alt, aber noch genießbar.

The bread is old but still edible.

Use of 'noch' to show state.

Die Suppe schmeckt gut, sie ist genießbar.

The soup tastes good, it is edible.

Connecting taste and edibility.

Diese Beeren sind nicht genießbar.

These berries are not edible.

Negation with 'nicht'.

Ist das Fleisch noch genießbar?

Is the meat still good to eat?

Checking freshness.

Der Saft ist süß und genießbar.

The juice is sweet and edible (drinkable).

Adjective describing a liquid.

Das ist ein genießbarer Fisch.

That is an edible fish.

Attributive adjective with ending -er.

Die Milch riecht sauer, sie ist nicht mehr genießbar.

The milk smells sour; it is no longer edible.

Compound sentence with 'nicht mehr'.

Ohne Zucker ist der Kaffee kaum genießbar.

Without sugar, the coffee is hardly drinkable.

Adverb 'kaum' modifying the adjective.

Ist das Leitungswasser hier genießbar?

Is the tap water here drinkable?

Common travel question.

Der Kuchen war leider ungenießbar.

The cake was unfortunately inedible.

Prefix 'un-' for negation.

Ich bin morgens vor dem Frühstück nicht genießbar.

I am not bearable in the morning before breakfast.

Metaphorical use for mood.

Diese Pilze aus dem Wald sind genießbar.

These mushrooms from the forest are edible.

Identifying safe food.

Das Essen im Flugzeug war kaum genießbar.

The food on the plane was hardly edible.

Expressing an opinion on quality.

Nach dem langen Wandern war das warme Wasser noch genießbar.

After the long hike, the warm water was still drinkable.

State after a period of time.

Die Suppe war so versalzen, dass sie völlig ungenießbar war.

The soup was so salty that it was completely inedible.

Consecutive clause with 'dass'.

Er ist ein schwieriger Mensch und oft ungenießbar.

He is a difficult person and often unbearable.

Describing character traits.

Sind diese Beeren wirklich für Menschen genießbar?

Are these berries really edible for humans?

Prepositional object 'für Menschen'.

Das Obst ist überreif, aber für Marmelade noch genießbar.

The fruit is overripe but still usable for jam.

Limiting the context with 'für Marmelade'.

Wegen der Hitze ist der Wein nicht mehr genießbar.

Because of the heat, the wine is no longer drinkable.

Genitive preposition 'wegen'.

Lass uns gehen, die Stimmung hier ist ungenießbar.

Let's go; the atmosphere here is unbearable.

Abstract use for 'atmosphere'.

Ist das Wasser aus diesem Brunnen genießbar?

Is the water from this well drinkable?

Specific source of food/drink.

Nach seiner Scheidung war er monatelang ungenießbar.

After his divorce, he was unbearable for months.

Temporal adverb 'monatelang'.

Die Qualität des Fleisches muss geprüft werden, um festzustellen, ob es noch genießbar ist.

The quality of the meat must be checked to determine if it is still edible.

Passive voice and indirect question.

Sein arroganter Ton macht jedes Gespräch mit ihm ungenießbar.

His arrogant tone makes every conversation with him unbearable.

Verb 'machen' + object + adjective.

Obwohl das Mindesthaltbarkeitsdatum überschritten ist, bleibt das Produkt oft genießbar.

Although the best-before date has passed, the product often remains edible.

Concessive clause with 'obwohl'.

Die politische Debatte war aufgrund der ständigen Unterbrechungen kaum genießbar.

The political debate was hardly bearable due to the constant interruptions.

Abstract use in a formal context.

In vielen Regionen der Welt ist sauberes, genießbares Wasser ein Luxusgut.

In many regions of the world, clean, drinkable water is a luxury.

Attributive adjective in the dative case.

Der Fisch muss gut gekühlt werden, damit er genießbar bleibt.

The fish must be well-chilled so that it remains edible.

Final clause with 'damit'.

Kritiker bezeichneten den Film als ästhetisch ungenießbar.

Critics described the film as aesthetically unbearable.

Adverbial use 'ästhetisch'.

Wenn er hungrig ist, wird mein Bruder absolut ungenießbar.

When he is hungry, my brother becomes absolutely unbearable.

Conditional clause with 'wenn'.

Die toxische Atmosphäre im Büro ist für die Mitarbeiter kaum noch genießbar.

The toxic atmosphere in the office is hardly bearable for the employees anymore.

Metaphorical extension of 'toxicity'.

Es ist fraglich, ob diese literarischen Ergüsse für ein breites Publikum genießbar sind.

It is questionable whether these literary outpourings are palatable for a broad audience.

Intellectual/literary context.

Durch die industrielle Verschmutzung sind viele Fischbestände nicht mehr für den Verzehr genießbar.

Due to industrial pollution, many fish stocks are no longer fit for consumption.

Formal/scientific register.

Sein Sarkasmus ist manchmal so beißend, dass er für seine Mitmenschen ungenießbar wird.

His sarcasm is sometimes so biting that he becomes unbearable for those around him.

Describing complex social behavior.

Die Weine dieses Jahrgangs gelten als besonders früh genießbar.

The wines of this vintage are considered to be drinkable particularly early.

Specific oenological term.

Ein Mindestmaß an Höflichkeit ist notwendig, um das Zusammenleben genießbar zu machen.

A minimum level of politeness is necessary to make living together bearable.

Infinitive construction with 'um...zu'.

Die philosophischen Texte sind ohne Vorwissen kaum genießbar.

The philosophical texts are hardly digestible without prior knowledge.

Using 'genießbar' for intellectual consumption.

Die hygienischen Zustände machten die Mahlzeiten in der Kantine ungenießbar.

The hygienic conditions made the meals in the canteen inedible.

Causal relationship.

In der Oenologie bezeichnet man Weine, die ihre optimale Reife erreicht haben, als voll genießbar.

In oenology, wines that have reached their optimal maturity are described as fully drinkable.

Technical/scientific definition.

Die schiere Redundanz seiner Ausführungen machte den Vortrag für das Fachpublikum ungenießbar.

The sheer redundancy of his remarks made the presentation unbearable for the professional audience.

High-level academic vocabulary.

Es bedarf einer feinen Balance, damit die Ironie in einem Werk genießbar bleibt und nicht in Zynismus umschlägt.

It requires a fine balance for the irony in a work to remain palatable and not turn into cynicism.

Subjunctive/abstract literary theory.

Die Genießbarkeit von Leitungswasser unterliegt in Deutschland strengsten Kontrollen.

The potability of tap water is subject to the strictest controls in Germany.

Nominalization 'Genießbarkeit'.

Manche Pilzarten sind erst nach mehrmaligem Abkochen genießbar.

Some types of mushrooms are only edible after being boiled several times.

Conditional physical state.

Sein Wesen war von einer solchen Bitterkeit geprägt, dass er für seine Umwelt gänzlich ungenießbar wurde.

His nature was characterized by such bitterness that he became entirely unbearable for his environment.

Elevated literary style.

Die Transformation von Rohstoffen in genießbare Güter ist die Basis unserer Lebensmittelindustrie.

The transformation of raw materials into consumable goods is the basis of our food industry.

Economic/industrial context.

Trotz der harschen Kritik blieb das Stück für die breite Masse durchaus genießbar.

Despite the harsh criticism, the play remained quite enjoyable for the general public.

Nuanced use of 'durchaus' and 'trotz'.

Sinónimos

essbar schmackhaft trinkbar verzehrbar lecker bekömmlich erträglich appetitlich

Antónimos

ungenießbar giftig ekelhaft unerträglich

Colocaciones comunes

kaum genießbar

noch genießbar

nicht mehr genießbar

absolut ungenießbar

morgens nicht genießbar

geschmacklich genießbar

für Menschen genießbar

gerade noch genießbar

ästhetisch ungenießbar

voll genießbar

Frases Comunes

vor dem ersten Kaffee nicht genießbar sein

— To be extremely grumpy before having coffee.

Sprich ihn nicht an, er ist vor dem ersten Kaffee nicht genießbar.

etwas ungenießbar machen

— To ruin something (usually food) so it can't be eaten.

Zu viel Salz macht die Suppe ungenießbar.

noch lange genießbar bleiben

— To stay fresh for a long time.

In der Dose bleibt das Gebäck lange genießbar.

kaum genießbar sein

— To be barely edible or bearable.

Das Wasser war wegen des Chlors kaum genießbar.

für jemanden ungenießbar sein

— To be unbearable for a specific person.

Seine Witze sind für mich ungenießbar.

wieder genießbar machen

— To make something edible again (e.g., filtering water).

Wir müssen das Wasser wieder genießbar machen.

als genießbar gelten

— To be considered edible.

Diese Insekten gelten in manchen Kulturen als genießbar.

nicht mehr für den Verzehr genießbar

— No longer fit for human consumption (formal).

Die abgelaufenen Waren sind nicht mehr für den Verzehr genießbar.

geschmacklich kaum genießbar

— Hardly edible in terms of taste.

Die Medizin war geschmacklich kaum genießbar.

menschlich ungenießbar

— Unbearable as a person.

Sein Verhalten macht ihn menschlich ungenießbar.

Se confunde a menudo con

genießbar vs essbar

Essbar is about safety (can you eat it without dying?), genießbar is about quality (does it taste okay/is it fresh?).

genießbar vs genüsslich

Genüsslich is an adverb meaning 'with pleasure', while genießbar describes the object.

genießbar vs genüssig

This is not a word; people confuse it with genüsslich or genießbar.

Modismos y expresiones

"morgens noch nicht genießbar sein"

— To be a 'Morgenmuffel' (morning grouch).

Meine Schwester ist morgens noch nicht genießbar.

informal

"eine ungenießbare Stimmung"

— An unbearable or toxic atmosphere.

Nach dem Streit herrschte eine ungenießbare Stimmung.

neutral

"jemanden ungenießbar machen"

— To put someone in a terrible mood.

Die schlechten Nachrichten haben ihn ungenießbar gemacht.

neutral

"das ist ja ungenießbar!"

— Exclamation of disgust regarding food quality.

Probier mal diesen Wein – das ist ja ungenießbar!

informal

"kaum genießbare Kost"

— Metaphorically: Poor quality information or entertainment.

Das Fernsehprogramm am Sonntag ist kaum genießbare Kost.

journalistic

"einen ungenießbaren Tag haben"

— To be having a very bad day where one is grumpy.

Lass ihn, er hat heute einen ungenießbaren Tag.

informal

"etwas für genießbar erklären"

— To officially state that something is safe/good.

Der Experte hat das Wasser für genießbar erklärt.

formal

"nicht für jeden genießbar"

— Something that is an acquired taste or difficult to like.

Moderner Jazz ist nicht für jeden genießbar.

neutral

"ungenießbar wie Gallensäure"

— Extremely bitter or unpleasant (rare/literary).

Sein Kommentar war ungenießbar wie Gallensäure.

literary

"wieder genießbar werden"

— To calm down after being angry.

Nach einem Nickerchen wird er sicher wieder genießbar.

informal

Fácil de confundir

genießbar vs essbar

Both translate to 'edible' in English.

Essbar = non-toxic. Genießbar = palatable/fresh.

Diese Blume ist essbar, aber nicht besonders genießbar.

genießbar vs trinkbar

Both refer to consumption.

Trinkbar is only for liquids. Genießbar is for both food and drink.

Ist das Wasser trinkbar?

genießbar vs schmackhaft

Both relate to taste.

Schmackhaft implies it's actually delicious, genießbar is just 'okay'.

Ein schmackhaftes Abendessen.

genießbar vs bekömmlich

Both relate to eating.

Bekömmlich means easy to digest/healthy.

Leichte Kost ist bekömmlicher.

genießbar vs verzehrbar

Technical synonyms.

Verzehrbar is more formal/industrial.

Nicht mehr für den menschlichen Verzehr geeignet.

Patrones de oraciones

Das [Substantiv] ist genießbar.

Das Brot ist genießbar.

Ich bin [Zeitpunkt] nicht genießbar.

Ich bin morgens nicht genießbar.

Wegen [Genitiv] ist es ungenießbar.

Wegen des Salzes ist es ungenießbar.

Ist das noch genießbar?

Ist die Suppe noch genießbar?

Es war so [Adjektiv], dass es ungenießbar wurde.

Es war so bitter, dass es ungenießbar wurde.

Die [Abstraktum] ist kaum genießbar.

Die Atmosphäre ist kaum genießbar.

Etwas für genießbar erklären.

Man hat das Wasser für genießbar erklärt.

Die Genießbarkeit von [Substantiv] prüfen.

Die Genießbarkeit von Pilzen prüfen.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

der Genuss

die Genießbarkeit

der Genießer

die Genießerin

Verbos

genießen

Adjetivos

genüsslich

genussvoll

ungenießbar

Relacionado

der Lebensmittelgenuss

die Genusssucht

genussfähig

der Genussmensch

die Genussmittel

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Cómo usarlo

frequency

High in daily conversation regarding food and moods.

Errores comunes

Das Gift ist nicht genießbar. → Das Gift ist nicht essbar.
You use 'essbar' for biological safety. Poison is 'giftig' and 'nicht essbar.'
Der Kuchen ist sehr genüsslich. → Der Kuchen ist sehr genießbar (or lecker).
'Genüsslich' is an adverb for how someone eats, not an adjective for the food.
Ich bin heute ungenießbarlich. → Ich bin heute ungenießbar.
The suffix is just '-bar,' there is no '-lich' needed.
Die Suppe ist genießbar (as a compliment). → Die Suppe ist lecker.
Calling food 'genießbar' as a guest is like saying 'it didn't kill me.' Use 'lecker' for praise.
Ist das Wasser drinkbar? → Ist das Wasser trinkbar/genießbar?
'Drinkbar' is an anglicism; the German word is 'trinkbar'.

Consejos

Check the Fridge

Use 'genießbar' when you are unsure if something is still good to eat. It's the most natural word for this situation.

Morning Warning

If you are grumpy in the morning, tell your roommates 'Ich bin noch nicht genießbar.' They will understand and give you space!

The -bar Family

Learn other -bar words like 'essbar', 'trinkbar', and 'machbar' together to see the pattern.

Sharp S

Remember to write 'genießbar' with 'ß', not 'ss'. This is important for correct spelling.

Don't Over-praise

If someone cooks for you, don't just say it's 'genießbar' unless you want to be mean. Say 'lecker'!

Listen for 'un-'

In restaurants, listen for 'ungenießbar' from other tables – it's a sign of a bad kitchen!

Abstract Use

Try using 'ungenießbar' to describe a toxic atmosphere in a story to sound more advanced.

Long 'ie'

Make sure the 'ie' is long, like in 'bee'. This distinguishes it from 'ei'.

Water Quality

In Germany, you can almost always assume 'Das Leitungswasser ist genießbar.'

Morgenmuffel

This is the perfect word to describe the state of a 'Morgenmuffel'.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of the 'nie' in genießbar as 'knee'. If the food is 'genießbar', it's so good you'll slap your 'knee'! Or: 'Genie' (Genius) + 'Bar'. A genius at the bar only serves 'genießbar' drinks.

Asociación visual

Imagine a green checkmark next to a steaming plate of food for 'genießbar' and a red 'X' next to a grumpy person in the morning for 'ungenießbar'.

Word Web

Food Drink Mood Quality Freshness Pleasant Acceptable Safety

Desafío

Try to use 'ungenießbar' three times today: once for a food item, once for a person's mood, and once for a situation (like the weather).

Origen de la palabra

Derived from the Middle High German verb 'geniezen' and Old High German 'giniozan', which meant 'to have use of' or 'to participate in'.

Significado original: Originally, it meant 'useful' or 'profitable.' Over time, it shifted towards the pleasure derived from using or consuming something.

Germanic (Indo-European). Cognate with the English word 'needing' in a very distant sense, but primarily related to the concept of 'utility' turned 'pleasure'.

Contexto cultural

Calling a person 'ungenießbar' is a common and relatively mild criticism, but calling a professional's work 'ungenießbar' is quite harsh.

English speakers often use 'edible' for both safety and quality, but German splits this into 'essbar' (safety) and 'genießbar' (quality).

Used in culinary reviews in 'Der Feinschmecker'. Commonly found in the 'Knigge' guide for social etiquette. Appears in lyrics of German 'Liedermacher' to describe social atmospheres.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Kitchen/Fridge

Ist das noch genießbar?
Riecht das noch gut?
Das ist abgelaufen.
Wegwerfen oder essen?

Restaurant

Das Essen ist ungenießbar.
Viel zu viel Salz!
Kalt serviert.
Beschwerde beim Kellner.

Workplace

Der Chef ist ungenießbar.
Schlechte Laune.
Lieber nicht ansprechen.
Stress im Büro.

Nature/Hiking

Sind die Pilze genießbar?
Trinkwasserquelle?
Vorsicht, giftig!
Beeren sammeln.

Morning Routine

Noch nicht genießbar.
Erst mal einen Kaffee.
Morgenmuffel.
Lass mich in Ruhe.

Inicios de conversación

"Findest du, dass Leitungswasser in Deutschland überall genießbar ist?"

"Bist du morgens direkt nach dem Aufstehen schon genießbar?"

"Was war das ungenießbarste Essen, das du je in einem Restaurant bekommen hast?"

"Glaubst du, dass viele Lebensmittel weggeworfen werden, obwohl sie noch genießbar sind?"

"Wie reagierst du, wenn ein Kollege den ganzen Tag ungenießbar ist?"

Temas para diario

Beschreibe eine Situation, in der du etwas gegessen hast, das eigentlich ungenießbar war, aber du musstest höflich sein.

Bist du ein Morgenmuffel? Erkläre, warum du morgens vielleicht noch nicht genießbar bist.

Diskutiere das Problem der Lebensmittelverschwendung: Warum werfen wir genießbare Dinge weg?

Welche Eigenschaften machen einen Menschen für dich 'ungenießbar'?

Schreibe über eine Wanderung, bei der du froh warst, genießbares Wasser zu finden.

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

Yes, it is very common to ask if tap water is 'genießbar.' It means 'potable' or 'safe and pleasant to drink.'

They mean the same thing, but 'ungenießbar' is a single adjective and often feels slightly stronger or more definitive.

It's a metaphor. Just as bad food is unpleasant to consume, a grumpy person is unpleasant to be around. It's a very common idiom for 'Morgenmuffel.'

It's neutral. It can be used in a scientific report about water quality or in a casual conversation about a burnt pizza.

Only if the food is actually good. 'Genießbar' just means it's okay to eat. 'Lecker' means it's delicious.

It's a suffix similar to '-able' in English, indicating that an action (genießen) can be performed on the object.

Yes, it is standard German and used throughout the DACH region.

You can say: 'Er ist heute absolut ungenießbar.'

Yes, metaphorically. If a book is very badly written, you can say it is 'ungenießbar.'

Yes, 'die Genießbarkeit,' though it is mostly used in technical contexts like food safety.

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