What does “funktionstüchtig” mean in German?

Talking about old age and money, he says health insurance will pay to keep him “noch funktionstüchtig” — still working, still functional. It’s the word you’d use for a machine that runs, and he uses it for his own body on purpose. The tone is dry and honest: insurance covers the bare minimum, the body that just about works. Everything beyond that — staying mobile, staying fit — he expects to pay for himself.

Spoken line: “dass ich noch funktionstüchtig bleibe” — “that I stay functional / still in working order.” The word comes from Funktion (function) and means capable of doing what it is supposed to do. It first describes machines and devices: a tool, a car, a heater that still does what it should. Used for people, it has a plain, slightly dry feel — the body works, nothing more promised. Examples: - Der alte Drucker ist noch funktionstüchtig. — The old printer still works fine. - Nach der Reha war sein Knie wieder funktionstüchtig. — After rehab his knee worked properly again. - Ich halte mich mit Sport funktionstüchtig. — I keep myself in working order with exercise. Note: for people it often means “good enough to function,” not “thriving” — which fits his point that insurance covers only the basics.