misunderstanding
das Missverständnis, die Missverständnisse
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misunderstanding
A situation in which a statement or action is understood differently from how it was intended.
Seine ironische Bemerkung führte zu einem großen Missverständnis.
His ironic comment led to a major misunderstanding.
misunderstanding
A disagreement or minor argument based on a wrong interpretation.
Wir hatten ein kleines Missverständnis, aber wir haben uns schnell wieder vertragen.
We had a small misunderstanding, but we quickly made up again.
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| plural | die Missverständnisse |
| genitive | des Missverständnisses |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Missverständnis | die Missverständnisse |
| accusative | das Missverständnis | die Missverständnisse |
| dative | dem Missverständnis | den Missverständnissen |
| genitive | des Missverständnisses | der Missverständnisse |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
The word is made up of the prefix 'miss-' and the noun 'Verständnis' (understanding). The prefix 'miss-' means 'wrong' or 'bad', so a 'Missverständnis' (misunderstanding) is literally a 'wrong understanding'.
Durch ein Missverständnis hat er den falschen Zug genommen.
Because of a misunderstanding, he took the wrong train.
Common verbs used with 'Missverständnis' (misunderstanding) are 'ein Missverständnis aufklären' (to clear up a misunderstanding) or 'ausräumen' (to resolve). You can also 'Missverständnisse vermeiden' (avoid misunderstandings) or say that something 'auf einem Missverständnis beruht' (is based on a misunderstanding).
Wir müssen dieses Missverständnis so schnell wie möglich aufklären.
We need to clear up this misunderstanding as quickly as possible.
Ihre ganze Theorie beruht auf einem grundlegenden Missverständnis.
Her whole theory is based on a fundamental misunderstanding.
A very common phrase for clarifying a situation is: 'Es handelt sich um ein Missverständnis.' (It is a misunderstanding.) This expresses that something was interpreted incorrectly.
Nein, ich bin nicht böse. Es handelt sich nur um ein Missverständnis.
No, I'm not angry. It's just a misunderstanding.
The combination 'ein kleines Missverständnis' (a small misunderstanding) is often used to describe a minor disagreement or small argument that can be resolved quickly.
Wegen eines kleinen Missverständnisses haben sie kurz nicht miteinander gesprochen.
Because of a small misunderstanding, they briefly stopped speaking to each other.
error / misconception
Irrtum and Missverständnis both involve a mistaken idea. An Irrtum can be any incorrect assessment, while a Missverständnis arises when a statement or action is understood differently from what was intended. For a mistake without communication, Irrtum is more appropriate; for words that were understood incorrectly, Missverständnis is more appropriate.
Das Missverständnis entstand, weil ich ihre Nachricht als Absage verstanden hatte.
The misunderstanding arose because I took her message as a cancellation.
Mein Irrtum war, dass ich den Termin im Kalender für Freitag eingetragen hatte.
My mistake was entering the appointment in my calendar for Friday.
