ladungsfähig

Ladungsfähig is a German adjectival term that translates literally as "capable of being charged." It is most commonly used in physical sciences to describe a substance, particle, or object that can acquire and retain an electric charge. In contrast, an object that does not allow charge accumulation is described as ladungsunfähig, or insulative.

The word is formed from the noun ladung (charge) and the suffix –fähig, meaning "capable of." In modern German physics texts, ladungsfähig is frequently applied to conductors and semiconductors, indicating that they can support an electric field and allow electrons or ions to move freely. In chemistry, the term refers to ions or molecules that possess a net charge, such as the proton (H+), calcium ion (Ca2+), or chloride (Cl−). In electrochemistry, ladungsfähig reactions involve the transfer of electrons between species.

In everyday German, ladungsfähig is sometimes used figuratively, for example to describe a person “ladenfähig” with charisma or ideas, meaning capable of influencing others. However, this usage is less formal and largely metaphorical.

Overall, ladungsfähig is a technical adjective found in physics, chemistry, and electrical engineering contexts to denote the property of holding or conducting electric charge.