The capability suffix -bar
In Danish, you can often turn a verb into an adjective describing capability by adding the suffix -bar. This works exactly like the English suffix -able or -ible.
For example, taking the root of the verb at bære (to carry) and adding -bar gives you bærbar (portable).
| The new computer is portable. | Den nye computer er bærbar. |
Matching gender and number
Just like other adjectives, words ending in -bar must change to match the gender and number of the noun they describe. Add -t for neuter nouns (et words) and -e for plural nouns or definite forms.
| The girl is buying a washable fabric rug. | Pigen køber et vaskbart tæppe af stof. |
| You must not put flammable things in the oven. | Du må ikke sætte brændbare ting i ovnen. |
Describing practical features
This suffix is incredibly useful for evaluating the quality, material, and practical use of everyday items. For instance, holde (to hold/last) becomes holdbar (durable), and bruge (to use) becomes brugbar (usable).
| The old stone bridge is very durable. | Den gamle bro af sten er meget holdbar. |
| He always finds a usable solution. | Han finder altid en brugbar løsning. |
More everyday combinations
You will see -bar attached to many common verbs to describe physical properties, creating words like foldbar (foldable), læsbar (readable), and låsbar (lockable).
| The map is foldable and practical. | Kortet er foldbart og praktisk. |
| Is the metal box lockable? | Er kassen af metal låsbar? |