adjective
imstande
able
So, dass man etwas tun kann oder dazu fähig ist.
The German word "imstande" is an adjective phrase meaning "capable" or "able". It is often used in the fixed expression "imstande sein" which means "to be able to" or "to be capable of" doing something.
- Stand: Literally means "state" or "condition".
- Im: A contraction of "in dem," meaning "in the".
So, "imstande" roughly means "in the state/condition (to do something)".
Similar words:
- fähig (capable)
- kompetent (competent)
- fähig sein (to be able)
Difference:
- imstande sein emphasizes being in the condition or position to do something.
- fähig sein emphasizes the inherent capability or skill.
- kompetent focuses on competence or qualification for tasks.
"Imstande" is often broader and can imply situational ability, not only inherent skill.
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Examples
Er ist imstande, die Aufgabe alleine zu lösen.adjective
He is able to solve the task alone.
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