zumutbar

Zumutbar is a German adjective meaning bearable, acceptable under the given circumstances, or reasonable to be expected of someone. It derives from the verb zumuten, “to impose a demand,” with the suffix -bar indicating capability. The noun form is Zumutbarkeit, referring to the quality or state of being bearable.

In use, zumutbar describes burdens, tasks, requirements, or conditions that a person can reasonably be asked to bear. It implies a normative judgment about fairness and practicality, distinguishing what is manageable from what would be excessive. Examples include statements like “Die Arbeitsbelastung ist zumutbar” or “eine zumutbare Belastung” in contexts such as work, social welfare, or everyday life. The assessment of Z zumutbarkeit depends on individual circumstances, such as health, age, qualifications, and available alternatives.

In legal and administrative contexts, Zumutbarkeit plays a key role in determining whether duties or measures can be legitimately imposed. German law uses the concept to evaluate obligations in social security, employment, and welfare procedures. Courts and authorities consider factors like physical or mental capacity, training, and the feasibility of alternatives to decide if a requirement is legally zumutbar. The term thus functions as a standard of reasonableness used to balance interests of individuals and institutions.

Related terms include Zumuten (the verb) and Zumutbarkeit (the noun). In practice, the notion serves as a flexible benchmark for assessing burdens and expectations in social, administrative, and everyday situations.