lack
Loading your saved state.
in the absence of
(Official language, elevated) Due to the lack or nonexistence of something. Used almost exclusively in this fixed expression with the genitive or with 'von' (of / from).
In Ermangelung besserer Beweise wurde der Angeklagte freigesprochen.
In the absence of better evidence, the defendant was acquitted.
This word is used almost exclusively in the fixed expression 'in Ermangelung' (in the absence of). It is very rare to read or hear 'Ermangelung' (lack) on its own or in other constructions.
In Ermangelung eines Stuhls setzte er sich auf den Boden.
In the absence of a chair, he sat down on the floor.
In standard German, the expression 'in Ermangelung' (in the absence of) is followed by the genitive. Alternatively, especially in spoken language, the construction with 'von' + dative is also used.
In Ermangelung klarer Anweisungen wussten wir nicht, was zu tun war.
In the absence of clear instructions, we didn't know what to do.
The expression 'in Ermangelung' (in the absence of) belongs to elevated written language and official German. In everyday usage, it often sounds very formal or even outdated.
Die Untersuchung wurde in Ermangelung von Beweismitteln eingestellt.
The investigation was discontinued due to a lack of evidence.
lack / defect
'der Mangel' and 'die Ermangelung' both have to do with the absence of something. 'Mangel' is the normal word and can be used in everyday life, at work, or in reports. 'Ermangelung' is used almost only in the fixed expression 'in Ermangelung'. This expression sounds formal and means: because something is not available. Learners may confuse the words because they look similar. In a normal sentence, people usually say 'Mangel an ...' (lack of ...). 'In Ermangelung' is more suitable for formal texts or official language.
In Ermangelung genauer Daten wurde die Entscheidung vertagt.
In the absence of precise data, the decision was postponed.
Der Termin muss verschoben werden, weil es einen Mangel an Personal gibt.
The appointment has to be postponed because there is a shortage of staff.