gebrauchsfähig

Gebrauchsfähig is an adjective in German describing something that is capable of being used or fit for use. It derives from the noun Gebrauchs (use) and the suffix -fähig, which marks capability. The term is used across everyday language and technical contexts to indicate that an object, device, or material can be employed for its intended purpose.

In common usage one might say, for example, that a tool or a device is gebrauchsfähig, meaning it can be used as intended. In technical, industrial, and regulatory contexts, gebrauchsfähigkeit implies more than mere existence or basic operation: it covers whether the item meets the requirements for its intended use, including safety, reliability, and compatibility with standards.

Gebrauchsfähigkeit is often contrasted with related terms. Funktionsfähig focuses on whether something actually functions, while Betriebsbereit emphasizes readiness to operate in a specific setting. Gebrauchsrelevante conditions—such as physical condition, integrity of components, availability of necessary accessories, and environmental suitability—play a role in judging gebrauchsfähigkeit. A damaged or incomplete item is generally not gebrauchsfähig, whereas a device intended for use in a particular environment is gebrauchsfähig only if it can operate safely there.

The term appears in contexts like consumer electronics, machinery, logistics, and quality control, as well as in procurement and safety assessments. It is not a universal formal status in all regulatory regimes; its precise meaning and requirements are context-dependent and may vary by industry and region.