die  Machbarkeit

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/maxbaːɐ̯ˈkaɪ̯t/

🧐 What does "die Machbarkeit" mean?

Die Machbarkeit is the German noun for feasibility, practicability, or viability. It describes the quality or state of something being doable, achievable, or realizable. It essentially answers the question: Can this be done or achieved? Often, the Machbarkeit is assessed before a project, plan, or idea is implemented.

It's an abstract noun derived from the adjective machbar (doable, feasible).

Article rules for der, die, and das

📐 Grammar and Declension of "Machbarkeit"

The word "Machbarkeit" is a feminine noun. Therefore, the correct article is die. A useful tip: Nouns ending in -keit (like -ness or -ity in English) are almost always feminine in German.

It is mostly used in the singular. The plural form (die Machbarkeiten) is rare but can occur when referring to multiple specific feasibility assessments or aspects (e.g., for different projects).

Declension Singular

Declension Plural - Rare

📝 Example Sentences

1. Die technische Machbarkeit des Projekts wurde bestätigt.
   The technical feasibility of the project was confirmed.
2. Wir müssen zuerst eine Studie zur wirtschaftlichen Machbarkeit durchführen.
   We first have to conduct a study on the economic feasibility.
3. Er zweifelte an der Machbarkeit ihres ehrgeizigen Plans.
   He doubted the feasibility of her ambitious plan.
4. Die Prüfung der Machbarkeit ergab ein positives Ergebnis.
   The feasibility check yielded a positive result.

💡 How is "Machbarkeit" used?

The term die Machbarkeit is frequently used in contexts where plans, projects, ideas, or technologies are evaluated:

• Project Management & Business: Here, the Machbarkeitsstudie (feasibility study) or Machbarkeitsanalyse (feasibility analysis) is a key tool to decide whether a project should be initiated. Factors like technical, economic, legal, and organizational feasibility are examined.
• Technology & Engineering: Engineers assess the technical Machbarkeit of new designs or processes.
• Research & Development: Scientists evaluate the Machbarkeit of experiments or new research approaches.
• Everyday Language: Even in daily life, one might discuss the Machbarkeit of undertakings, e.g., the feasibility of moving house over a weekend.

It's a somewhat formal word, implying professionalism and thorough assessment.

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Article Mnemonic: Remember the ending -keit. Many German nouns ending in -heit and -keit are feminine, taking the article die (e.g., die Freiheit - freedom, die Möglichkeit - possibility). So: -keit = die Machbarkeit.

Meaning Mnemonic: Break down the word: Mach-bar-keit. Can you machen (make/do) it? Is it machbar (doable)? Does it have the quality (-keit/-ness) of being doable? It's about the possibility of doing something.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Similar, but not identical words:

• Die Fähigkeit: This means ability or capability, referring to a person's or thing's inherent capacity (e.g., die Fähigkeit zu fliegen - the ability to fly). Machbarkeit refers more to the external circumstances or the nature of the plan itself allowing it to be done.

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Chef den Projektmanager: "Wie steht es um die Machbarkeit des neuen Super-Projekts?"

Antwortet der Projektmanager: "Technisch machbar, finanziell utopisch, zeitlich ein Albtraum – also alles wie immer!" 😄

--- Translation ---

The boss asks the project manager: "What's the status on the feasibility of the new super-project?"

The project manager replies: "Technically feasible, financially utopian, chronologically a nightmare – so, business as usual!" 😄

✍️ Poem about Feasibility

Ein Plan, kühn und groß erdacht,
die Frage wird nun aufgemacht:
Ist's nur ein Traum, ein Luftgespinst,
oder ob man es auch wirklich bringt?

Man prüft genau mit Kennerblick,
Technik, Kosten, jedes Stück.
Ist alles stimmig, klar und wahr?
Dann ist die Sache wohl machbar!

Die Machbarkeit, sie weist den Weg,
ob man den nächsten Schritt bewegt.

--- Translation ---

A plan, conceived bold and grand,
The question now is close at hand:
Is it just a dream, a castle in the air,
Or something one can truly bear?

One checks it closely, sharp and keen,
Tech, costs, and every piece between.
Is all aligned, clear, and true?
Then the thing is likely doable, phew!

Feasibility, it shows the way,
Whether to move to the next day.

🧩 Little Riddle

Ich bin kein Ding, doch werd' geprüft,
bevor man sich ins Handeln stürzt und übt.
Ich sag', ob eine Idee lebt,
ob sie am Boden klebt oder entschwebt.
Man braucht mich für Erfolg und Plan.
Wer bin ich, sag's mir, wenn du's kannst?

Lösung: Die Machbarkeit

--- Translation ---

I am not a thing, yet I am tested,
Before one leaps to action, invested.
I tell if an idea has wings,
If it stays grounded or takes flight and sings.
You need me for success and plan's design.
Who am I? Tell me, if the answer's thine.

Solution: Feasibility (Die Machbarkeit)

ℹ️ Other Information

Word Composition:

The word "Machbarkeit" is composed of:

• The stem of the verb machen (to make, to do).
• The suffix -bar (indicates possibility, similar to "-able" or "-ible" in English) -> Adjective: machbar (doable, feasible).
• The suffix -keit (forms an abstract noun from the adjective, similar to "-ness" or "-ity" in English).

Common Phrase:

A very common collocation is Machbarkeitsstudie (feasibility study) or Machbarkeitsprüfung (feasibility check/test).