erratic / sudden
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erratic
Describes a person or their behavior as unpredictable and quick to change opinions, mood, or topic.
Ihre sprunghafte Art macht es schwer, ihre Pläne vorauszusehen.
Her erratic nature makes it hard to predict her plans.
The adjective is made up of 'der Sprung' (jump) and the suffix '-haft' (-like). It literally means 'like a jump' and describes something that happens suddenly and not evenly.
Seine Gedanken sind oft sprunghaft und für andere schwer zu verfolgen.
His thoughts are often erratic and hard for others to follow.
If 'sprunghaft' (erratic / sudden) refers to a person or their behavior, it describes unpredictability. If it refers to numbers, data, or a development, it describes a sudden, sharp change.
Wegen seiner sprunghaften Art wusste man nie, was er als Nächstes tun würde.
Because of his erratic nature, you never knew what he would do next.
When referring to people, 'sprunghaft' (erratic) is often used to describe a character, a way of behaving, thoughts, or mood.
Sie ist in ihren Entscheidungen manchmal etwas sprunghaft.
She is sometimes a bit erratic in her decisions.
With reference to developments, 'sprunghaft' (sudden) is often combined with verbs like 'ansteigen' (to rise), 'zunehmen' (to increase), or 'wachsen' (to grow). The combination 'ein sprunghafter Anstieg' (a sudden increase) is also very typical.
Die Nachfrage nach Elektroautos ist in den letzten Jahren sprunghaft gewachsen.
Demand for electric cars has grown suddenly in recent years.
spontaneous
'spontan' and 'sprunghaft' both describe something that is not planned for long or not entirely predictable. The important difference is in the evaluation. 'spontan' means that someone acts in the moment; this can come across as likable and flexible. 'sprunghaft' means that someone or something changes quickly and often, for example their opinion, mood, or the direction of a development. This usually sounds restless or difficult. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with sudden behavior. If you mean one quick decision, 'spontan' often fits. If you mean many quick changes, 'sprunghaft' is more likely to fit.
Bei der Planung war sie sehr sprunghaft und änderte alle zehn Minuten ihre Meinung.
During the planning, she was very erratic and changed her mind every ten minutes.
Nach dem Unterricht schlug er spontan vor, noch ins Kino zu gehen.
After class, he spontaneously suggested going to the cinema.