negligence
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negligence
The failure to exercise the required care, often resulting in damage or harm. Especially a term from the legal field.
Der Unfall wurde durch grobe Fahrlässigkeit des Fahrers verursacht.
The accident was caused by the driver's gross negligence.
carelessness
A general lack of attention or care in one's behavior, without a direct legal context.
Seine Fahrlässigkeit im Umgang mit den wichtigen Dokumenten führte zu deren Verlust.
His carelessness in handling the important documents led to their loss.
'Fahrlässigkeit' (negligence) is the noun formed from the adjective 'fahrlässig' (negligent). The ending '-keit' is often used to turn an adjective into a noun that describes the quality itself.
Seine Fahrlässigkeit hat zu einem großen Schaden geführt.
His negligence caused major damage.
To state the reason for an action, 'Fahrlässigkeit' (negligence) is very often used with the preposition 'aus'. The construction is then: 'aus Fahrlässigkeit etwas tun' (to do something out of negligence).
Er hat aus reiner Fahrlässigkeit vergessen, die Tür abzuschließen.
Out of sheer negligence, he forgot to lock the door.
In legal contexts, the word is very common. A distinction is often made between 'leichter Fahrlässigkeit' (minor negligence) and 'grober Fahrlässigkeit' (gross negligence, a serious breach of the duty of care).
Das Gericht warf ihm grobe Fahrlässigkeit vor.
The court accused him of gross negligence.
neglect
Fahrlässigkeit and Vernachlässigung can both describe a lack of care. Fahrlässigkeit emphasizes unintended carelessness in an action, whereas Vernachlässigung refers to the failure to provide necessary care or attention. Use Vernachlässigung when necessary care is missing, and Fahrlässigkeit for careless behavior.
Durch die Fahrlässigkeit des Fahrers entstand beim Abbiegen ein Unfall.
The driver's negligence caused an accident while turning.
Die Vernachlässigung des Tieres fiel den Nachbarn wegen seines schlechten Zustands auf.
The neighbors noticed the animal's neglect because of its poor condition.
