klappbare

Klappbare is a German adjective meaning foldable or collapsible, describing objects that can be folded, hinged, or collapsed for compact storage or transport. It is formed from the verb klappen (to fold) plus the suffix -bar, meaning capable of. In German, klappbare is one of the inflected forms of klappbar and appears in several common contexts: before feminine singular nouns (die klappbare Tür) and in the plural or in strong declension without a preceding definite article (klappbare Tische).

Usage and contexts

The term is widely used in everyday language as well as product labeling and technical descriptions. Common examples include klappbarer Tisch (folding table), klappbarer Stuhl (folding chair), and klappbare Leiter (folding ladder). In architectural or interior design, you may encounter klappbare Trennwände (folding partition walls) or klappbare Türen (folding doors). The adjective is also found in descriptions of portable equipment and travel-friendly gear.

Relation to related terms

In many cases, klappbar and faltbar are interchangeable, but the choice can convey nuance. faltbar emphasizes the physical ability to fold and may be preferred for devices or components designed to fold flat, such as faltbares Smartphone or faltbares Tretboot. klappbar often stresses a specific hinge or folding mechanism, especially in furniture or architectural elements.

Etymology and distribution

The word combines klappen (to fold) with -bar (capable of), a productive pattern in German for forming adjectives that describe functional properties. Klappbare remains common in standard German and appears across dictionaries, catalogs, and design discourse.