German word of the day: Bezahlbar

Why do I need to know Bezahlbar?

Because this word is what the vast majority of us want (and need) when it comes to things like the cost of housing or eating out - but it is becoming increasingly harder to find. 

What does it mean?

Bezahlbar, which sounds like this, means 'affordable' in English. You would use this to describe something that is reasonably priced and not too expensive.

The adjective (or adverb) is made up of the verb Bezahlen - to pay - and a shortening of the word for cash - der Bargeld. 

It is used in everyday conversations among groups of friends, family or co-workers, but you'll also spot it at protests, in newspaper reports and among political parties. 

For instance, at a protest during a government housing summit held in Berlin in December 2024, tenants associations, civil groups and The Left party called for a nationwide rent cap for "bezahlbarer wohnraum" (affordable housing).

Spokesperson for the rent cap campaign, Lara Eckstein said: "Wir fordern ein Gesetz für einen bundesweiten Mietendeckel, damit Wohnen endlich wieder bezahlbar wird." (In English: "We are calling for a law for a nationwide rent cap so that housing can finally become affordable again.")

With Germany's nationwide election coming up on February 23rd, you might be hearing - or seeing - a lot more talk of 'bezahlbar' , as affordability is on the minds of voters.

READ ALSO: How much inflation should consumers in Germany expect in 2025?

In the Green party poster below, the message simply reads: "Life: Make it affordable!"

And by the way, if you want to use the noun 'affordability' in German you can say: (die) Bezahlbarkeit.

Use it like this:

Warum sind Wohnungen in deutschen Städten wie Berlin und München nicht mehr bezahlbar?

Why are flats in German cities like Berlin and Munich no longer affordable?

Ich möchte am Wochenende in ein Restaurant gehen, aber es muss bezahlbar sein.

I want to go to a restaurant at the weekend, but I need it to be affordable.

Ich werde für Sie stimmen, wenn Sie dafür sorgen, dass das Leben in Deutschland bezahlbarer wird.

I will vote for you if you make sure life in Germany is more affordable.