handlich

Handlich is a German adjective used to describe things that are easy to handle, operate, or hold. The word is built from hand (die Hand) and the suffix -lich, signaling a characteristic. The sense emphasizes manageability and ergonomic design, often relating to size, weight, and simple usability.

In everyday language, handlich describes objects that are practical to use and small or light enough to be comfortable in the hand. It is commonly applied to tools, devices, instruments, and containers: for example, a handliches Werkzeug (handy tool), eine handliche Kamera (a compact camera), or eine handliche Größe (a compact size). The nuance stresses ease of use and portability rather than merely being useful. Related terms include praktisch (practical) and kompakt (compact), with handlich carrying a tactile, user-friendly connotation.

Handlichkeit is the corresponding noun, referring to the quality of being easy to handle. For instance, die Handlichkeit eines Messgeräts describes how straightforward it is to operate or to grip. In design and ergonomics, high Handlichkeit is often a goal to improve user experience and efficiency.

Usage note: Handlich is primarily used in German-speaking regions. In other languages the idea is conveyed by different adjectives (such as handy or compact), but handlich itself is a distinctive German term.