Without hesitating, without doubts, or without thinking about possible negative consequences. It can mean both carefree and trusting as well as reckless.
example
Er folgte dem Rat seines Freundes bedenkenlos.
He followed his friend’s advice unhesitatingly.
Usage tips
Word structure
The word is made up of 'Bedenken' (doubts, concerns) and the ending '-los' (without). 'Bedenkenlos' therefore literally means 'without concerns' or 'without worries'.
EXAMPLE
Du kannst diesem Experten bedenkenlos vertrauen.
You can trust this expert without hesitation.
Context clue
The meaning depends strongly on the context. If the word refers to a person’s action, it often means 'without hesitation' or 'recklessly'. If it refers to a thing (e.g. a food), it means 'harmless' or 'safe'.
EXAMPLE
Er hat das Geld bedenkenlos ausgegeben.
He spent the money without hesitation.
Use as an adverb
'Bedenkenlos' is very often used as an adverb to describe a verb. It answers the question 'How?' and describes the manner of an action.
EXAMPLE
Ich kann Ihnen dieses Buch bedenkenlos empfehlen.
I can recommend this book to you without hesitation.
Typical collocations
In the meaning of 'safe' or 'harmless', the word is often used in formal contexts. Typical verbs are 'verwenden' (to use), 'genießen' (to enjoy/consume), or 'konsumieren' (to consume).
EXAMPLE
Das Wasser aus diesem Brunnen kann man bedenkenlos trinken.
You can safely drink the water from this well.
Compare with
near_synonym
bedenkenlos vs sicher
sure / safe
'sicher' and 'bedenkenlos' can both mean that you do not need to worry. 'sicher' more often describes the condition of something: it is not dangerous or works reliably. 'bedenkenlos' often describes that you can do, use, or eat something without doubts or worry. For example, you might say that a product is 'sicher' and that you can use it 'bedenkenlos'. However, 'bedenkenlos' can also sound negative if someone does not think about the consequences at all.
bedenkenlos
Das Wasser aus dieser Quelle kann man bedenkenlos trinken.
You can drink the water from this spring without worry.
sicher
Dieser Kindersitz ist sicher und einfach zu benutzen.