lack
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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 In everyday usage, it often sounds very formal or even outdated.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.
to be absent / to be missing
Fehlen refers generally, with flexible sentence structure, to something not being present. Ermangelung, by contrast, is used almost only in the elevated or official-language expression “in Ermangelung.” For ordinary statements, fehlen is appropriate; for a formally stated reason, in Ermangelung may be appropriate.
In Ermangelung von Beweisen kann die Behauptung nicht bestätigt werden.
In the absence of evidence, the claim cannot be confirmed.
Weil Beweise fehlen, kann die Behauptung nicht bestätigt werden.
Because evidence is missing, the claim cannot be confirmed.
