zugänglich

Zugänglich is a German adjective meaning accessible, reachable, or open to use or examination. It can describe physical spaces, information, or people, indicating that something can be entered, used, understood, or approached without undue barriers.

Etymology and usage context: The word is formed from the noun Zugang (access) with the adjectival suffix -lich, yielding a term that denotes something that can be accessed. It is used in everyday language as well as in technical and legal contexts to express ease of access or openness.

Applications in different domains: In architecture and urban planning, a site or facility is described as zugänglich when it can be reached and used by a broad range of people, including those with disabilities, often in connection with terms like barrierefrei (barrier-free). In information and digital contexts, zugänglich refers to data, documents, or services that are usable by the public or by specified user groups. In social terms, a person can be described as zugänglich if they are approachable or easy to talk to.

Antonyms and related concepts: The opposite is unzugänglich, meaning inaccessible or hard to reach. Related concepts include Zugänglichkeit (accessibility) and Barrierefreiheit (barrier-free access), which are commonly discussed in accessibility planning, information design, and inclusive practice.

See also: accessibility, open data, open access, usability, barrier-free design.