Fahrfähig

Fahrfähig is an adjective used in the German language to describe that a vehicle, machine, or apparatus is capable of being driven or operated. It denotes a current operational state rather than a formal certification of safety. A fahrfähiges Fahrzeug can be steered, braked, and controlled according to its design specifications, though it may still require routine maintenance or minor repairs.

The term appears across different transportation domains. In automotive contexts, it is used when a car, motorcycle, or truck is not permanently immobile due to mechanical failure. In rail, shipping, aviation, and other industries, fahrfähig indicates that the equipment is in a condition suitable for operation under normal procedures, though regulatory standards for roadworthiness or seaworthiness may impose additional criteria. It is distinct from terms such as fahrbereit (ready to depart) and fahrunfähig (not drivable).

Causes for something to be fahrfähig include completed inspections, successful repairs, or no critical faults preventing operation. It is often used in maintenance logs, accident reports, insurance assessments, and fleet management to convey current operability.

Etymology: aus dem Verb fahren (to drive) plus fähig (able). The term is common in German-speaking contexts and is used informally as well as in technical documentation to indicate that an object is usable in traffic or operation at that moment.

See also: verkehrstüchtig, verkehrsfähig, betriebssicherheit, funktionsfähigkeit, fahrbereit.