benutzbar

Benutzbar is a German adjective meaning usable or capable of being used. It describes products, devices, systems, or processes that can be used by their intended audience to achieve goals with reasonable effort, under specified conditions and within a given context.

Etymology: The word is formed from the verb benutzen (to use) and the suffix -bar, which marks potential capability. The corresponding noun is Benutzbarkeit, typically translated as usability.

Usage in practice: In discussions of human–computer interaction and user experience, benutzbar is often used to express how easy or effective it is for users to accomplish tasks. It is related to, but not entirely synonymous with, bedienbar, which emphasizes physical operability or control.

Standards and assessment: German-language quality discussions align Benutzbarkeit with the concept of usability found in international standards such as ISO 25010 and ISO 9241. Usability is defined as the extent to which specified users can achieve goals with effectiveness, efficiency and satisfaction in a context of use. Evaluation may involve task completion, time, error rate, and user satisfaction.

Usage notes: The term can describe software, websites, hardware, or processes. Common phrases include "eine benutzbare Anwendung," "die Benutzbarkeit verbessern" or "benutzbar machen." Synonyms include "benutzerfreundlich" (more user-friendly) and, depending on context, "bedienbar" when focusing on physical operability.