blunder
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blunder
A small, often embarrassing mistake or mishap that happens because of carelessness, nervousness, or clumsiness. The term is usually used colloquially.
Dem Torwart unterlief ein peinlicher Patzer, der zum Gegentor führte.
The goalkeeper made an embarrassing blunder that led to the opposing goal.
The noun 'der Patzer' (blunder) comes from the verb 'patzen' (to mess up / make a mistake). When someone 'patzt' (messes up), they make a mistake or have a mishap.
Ich habe bei der Präsentation gepatzt und wichtige Zahlen vergessen.
I messed up during the presentation and forgot important figures.
A very common and natural formulation is 'jemandem unterläuft ein Patzer' (someone makes a blunder / a blunder happens to someone). The person who makes the mistake is in the dative.
Dem erfahrenen Journalisten ist im Live-Interview ein Patzer unterlaufen.
The experienced journalist made a blunder during the live interview.
The word 'Patzer' (blunder) belongs to colloquial language. It describes a mistake in a somewhat lighter, sometimes also mocking way.
Keine Sorge, so ein kleiner Patzer kann jedem mal passieren.
Don't worry, a little blunder like that can happen to anyone.
mishap
Missgeschick and Patzer often describe a small, embarrassing everyday situation. Missgeschick emphasizes the unfortunate incident, whereas the colloquial Patzer focuses more strongly on the mistake caused by carelessness, nervousness, or clumsiness.
Beim Eingießen verursachte Tim durch Unachtsamkeit einen ärgerlichen Patzer.
Tim caused an annoying blunder while pouring because he was careless.
Der verschüttete Kaffee auf dem wichtigen Brief war ein ärgerliches Missgeschick.
Spilling coffee on the important letter was an annoying mishap.
