zugänglichen

Zugänglich is a German adjective meaning accessible, reachable, or open to someone, and it can also denote something easy to understand. The form zugänglichen is the inflected plural, used in attributive position after a definite article or other determiner, as in die zugänglichen Informationen or den zugänglichen Bereichen. The adjective can describe physical spaces, information, services, or ideas that are available or approachable.

Grammar and usage notes: In the plural, the attributive form zugänglichen appears after definite or similar determiners (die, den, dem) and in the dative plural (den zugänglichen Bereichen). In other contexts without a determiner, the strong endings differ, for example zugängliche Räume or zugängliche Informationen. In the singular, common forms include der zugängliche Mann, die zugängliche Frau, das zugängliche Gebäude. The word can describe both concrete and abstract accessibility, such as a building that is physically reachable or content that is easy to obtain or comprehend.

Etymology and context: zugänglich is formed from zu- (toward, to) and gängig (usable, passable), relating to being able to go to or use something. The term is widely used in architecture, public administration, information technology, and discussions of inclusivity and Barrierefreiheit. Typical collocations include zugängliche Informationen, zugängliche Räume, and barrierefrei zugänglich.

See also: Zugang, zugängliche Daten, Barrierefreiheit, erreichbar, offen.