dubious
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dubious
Doubtful, questionable, or suspicious. The word describes people, offers, or circumstances that one does not trust or that seem unclear and nontransparent.
Er machte mir ein dubioses Angebot, das zu gut klang, um wahr zu sein.
He made me a dubious offer that sounded too good to be true.
'Dubios' (dubious) often describes things that could be connected with fraud or illegality. Typical collocations are 'dubiose Geschäfte' (dubious business dealings), 'eine dubiose Gestalt' (a dubious character), 'ein dubioses Angebot' (a dubious offer), or 'dubiose Quellen' (dubious sources).
Die Polizei ermittelt wegen dubioser Geschäfte im Internet.
The police are investigating dubious business dealings on the internet.
The word does not just mean 'unclear'; it has a strongly negative connotation. It expresses active mistrust and the suspicion that something is not right, dishonest, or even dangerous.
Sie hat die Firma wegen ihrer dubiosen Vergangenheit verlassen.
She left the company because of its dubious past.
'Dubios' (dubious) belongs to a somewhat more elevated vocabulary. You often find it in news and reports, but it is also used in everyday language to express criticism or mistrust.
Sein plötzlicher Reichtum kam allen etwas dubios vor.
His sudden wealth seemed somewhat dubious to everyone.
questionable
Fragwürdig and dubios both express a negative assessment and a lack of trust. Fragwürdig refers more generally to doubts about quality, morality, or legitimacy, whereas dubios particularly suggests an opaque or disreputable appearance. Use dubios especially for offers, providers, or circumstances that you do not trust.
Der dubiose Anbieter wollte keine genaue Adresse und nur Bargeld nennen.
The dubious provider would not give a precise address and would only accept cash.
Die fragwürdige Entscheidung lässt sich moralisch nur schwer rechtfertigen.
The questionable decision is difficult to justify morally.
