unofficial
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unofficial
Not confirmed, approved, or made public by an official body; having a private or personal character.
Obwohl es keine offizielle Ansage gab, war die Entscheidung inoffiziell bereits bekannt.
Although there was no official announcement, the decision was already unofficially known.
unofficial
Describes a status or role that is generally recognized but has not been formally granted.
Er ist der inoffizielle Sprecher der Gruppe, auch wenn er kein gewähltes Amt hat.
He is the unofficial spokesperson for the group, even though he does not hold an elected office.
The word is the opposite of 'offiziell' (official). The prefix 'in-' works here like 'un-' and negates the base word.
Die Verhandlungen fanden inoffiziell statt.
The negotiations took place unofficially.
'Inoffiziell' (unofficial/unofficially) is very often used as an adverb to modify a verb. It describes that an action does not happen through official channels.
Er hat mir die Neuigkeit schon gestern inoffiziell mitgeteilt.
He unofficially told me the news yesterday.
When it comes to information, 'inoffiziell' (unofficial) is often combined with nouns such as 'Gespräch' (conversation), 'Treffen' (meeting), 'Quelle' (source), or 'Bestätigung' (confirmation).
Es gibt Gerüchte, aber noch keine inoffizielle Bestätigung des Wechsels.
There are rumors, but still no unofficial confirmation of the transfer.
To describe a non-formal but recognized role, 'inoffiziell' (unofficial) is placed directly before a person designation. Typical examples are 'der inoffizielle Chef' (the unofficial boss) or 'die inoffizielle Sprecherin' (the unofficial spokesperson).
Sie ist die inoffizielle Anführerin unseres Teams, weil alle auf ihren Rat hören.
She is the unofficial leader of our team because everyone listens to her advice.
private
Both words can fit a meeting outside an official appointment. „Privat“ emphasizes that someone is acting as a private individual, while „inoffiziell“ highlights that the meeting has not been confirmed or approved by an official body. Use „privat“ for the person’s role and „inoffiziell“ for the status of the meeting.
Die Bürgermeisterin traf die Anwohner inoffiziell, ohne dass die Stadt das Treffen angekündigt hatte.
The mayor met with the residents unofficially, without the city having announced the meeting.
Die Bürgermeisterin sprach nach dem Termin privat mit den Anwohnern.
After the appointment, the mayor spoke privately with the residents.
