German Phrase
Er ist nicht erreichbar.
Meaning
This sentence means “He is not reachable.” It can refer to someone who cannot be contacted by phone, email, or in person, often because they are away, busy, or their device is off.
When to use
Use this phrase when you need to tell someone that a person cannot be contacted at the moment – for example, in a workplace when a colleague is on vacation, or when a friend’s phone is off.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Eristnichterreichbar
Verb 'sein' (to be)
The verb 'sein' is used as a linking verb to describe a state. It conjugates as 'ich bin, du bist, er/sie/es ist, wir sind, ihr seid, sie/Sie sind'.
Negation with 'nicht'
'Nicht' negates the adjective or verb that follows it. In this sentence it negates the adjective 'erreichbar'.
Adjective 'erreichbar'
'Erreichbar' means 'reachable' and is used as a predicative adjective after 'sein'.
🗨In Conversation
Kann ich Herrn Müller erreichen?
Can I reach Mr. Müller?
Nein, er ist nicht erreichbar.
No, he is not reachable.
✕Common Mistakes
Er nicht ist erreichbar.
The negation 'nicht' must come before the adjective, not between the verb and the adjective.
Er ist erreichbar nicht.
In German the negation 'nicht' precedes the adjective; placing it after sounds unnatural.
Er ist nicht erreichbares.
The adjective stays in its base form after 'sein'; do not add an ending.
↔Alternatives
Er ist nicht zu erreichen.
He is not reachable.
Man kann ihn nicht erreichen.
One cannot reach him.
Er ist momentan nicht erreichbar.
He is currently not reachable.
Cultural Tip
In German business communication it’s common to add a time reference, e.g., 'Er ist momentan nicht erreichbar' or to give a reason, such as 'Er ist im Urlaub und nicht erreichbar.' Avoid overly informal phrasing in professional emails; keep the tone neutral and concise.