der Fehler
mistake
An action, decision, or statement that is not correct or leads to an undesired result.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe einen Fehler in der Rechnung gemacht.
I made a mistake in the calculation.
der Fehler
mistake / error
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Meanings
der Fehler
error / defect
A flaw, defect, or imperfection in an object, a device, or a system.
EXAMPLE
Die Waschmaschine hat einen technischen Fehler und funktioniert nicht.
The washing machine has a technical error and isn't working.
der Fehler
flaw
A negative character trait or weakness in a person.
EXAMPLE
Sein größter Fehler ist seine Ungeduld.
His biggest flaw is his impatience.
Usage tips
Typical verb
The most common and natural way to express that you do something wrong is the fixed combination 'einen Fehler machen' (to make a mistake). The more formal variant is 'einen Fehler begehen' (to commit a mistake/error).
EXAMPLE
Keine Sorge, jeder macht mal einen Fehler.
Don't worry, everyone makes a mistake sometimes.
Word family
The noun 'der Fehler' (the mistake/error) is closely related to the verb 'fehlen' (to be missing). A mistake describes a place where something is missing in order for it to be correct or complete.
EXAMPLE
In deinem Aufsatz fehlt ein wichtiges Argument.
An important argument is missing in your essay.
Context clue
The context makes clear what kind of 'Fehler' (mistake/error) is meant. If you are talking about an action, it is a 'Fehler' (mistake). With a device, it is a 'Fehler' (defect). With a person, it can be a character weakness (flaw).
EXAMPLE
Einen Fehler in der Berechnung zu finden, ist manchmal schwer.
Finding a mistake in the calculation is sometimes difficult.
Typical collocations
When referring to a wrong action, 'Fehler' is often combined with verbs such as 'zugeben' (to admit), 'einsehen' (to recognize/realize), 'korrigieren' (to correct), or 'bereuen' (to regret).
EXAMPLE
Es ist wichtig, seine eigenen Fehler einsehen und korrigieren zu können.
It is important to be able to recognize and correct your own mistakes.
Typical adjectives
When a defect is meant, 'Fehler' is often described more specifically with adjectives such as 'technisch' (technical), 'mechanisch' (mechanical), 'gravierend' (serious), or 'klein' (small).
EXAMPLE
Wegen eines kleinen technischen Fehlers musste das Flugzeug umkehren.
Because of a small technical error, the plane had to turn back.
Compare with
Fehler vs Problem
problem
When an application is not working properly, both Problem and Fehler can refer to the difficulty being reported. Problem describes the disadvantageous situation in general, while Fehler additionally suggests that something deviates from the correct behavior. Use Problem when the consequence is the focus, and Fehler when the specific deviation is meant.
Fehler
Das Programm hat einen Fehler und berechnet die Summe falsch.
The program has an error and calculates the sum incorrectly.
Problem
Das Programm hat ein Problem und startet heute nicht.
The program has a problem and will not start today.
In real life
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