dummerweise
unfortunately
Expresses that something happened in an unlucky, clumsy, or annoying way.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe dummerweise meinen Schlüssel in der Wohnung vergessen.
Unfortunately, I left my key in the apartment.
dummerweise
unfortunately
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word structure
The word is made up of the adjective 'dumm' (stupid) and the suffix '-weise' (-wise / in a way). It literally means 'in a stupid way' and expresses annoyance or regret about a mishap.
EXAMPLE
Er hat den Zug dummerweise um eine Minute verpasst.
Unfortunately, he missed the train by one minute.
Sentence position
As an adverb, 'dummerweise' (unfortunately) can stand in position 1; then the verb follows immediately. It can also stand after the verb in the middle of the sentence.
EXAMPLE
Dummerweise war der Supermarkt schon geschlossen.
Unfortunately, the supermarket was already closed.
Personal judgment
With 'dummerweise' (unfortunately), the speaker comments on an event as unlucky or annoying. It adds a personal, often slightly self-critical or ironic note to the sentence.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe die Rechnung dummerweise schon bezahlt, bevor ich den Fehler bemerkte.
Unfortunately, I had already paid the bill before I noticed the mistake.
Compare with
dummerweise vs leider
unfortunately
„Leider“ and „dummerweise“ can both indicate an undesirable event. „Leider“ primarily expresses regret about the fact, while „dummerweise“ can additionally suggest that it happened in a clumsy or annoying way. „Leider“ is suitable for general regret, while „dummerweise“ is more appropriate for your own mishap.
dummerweise
Dummerweise habe ich den Schlüssel zu Hause vergessen.
Unfortunately, I stupidly forgot the key at home.
leider
Leider habe ich den Schlüssel zu Hause vergessen.
Unfortunately, I forgot the key at home.
In real life
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