circumstance
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circumstances
Usually in the plural: the conditions that accompany and influence a particular situation or event.
Unter den gegebenen Umständen ist das die bestmögliche Lösung.
Under the given circumstances, this is the best possible solution.
trouble / bother
Unnecessary effort, trouble, or complications.
Bitte machen Sie sich meinetwegen keine Umstände!
Please don't go to any trouble on my account!
to be expecting
A euphemistic, somewhat old-fashioned paraphrase for 'schwanger sein' (to be pregnant).
Früher sagte man diskret, eine Frau sei „in anderen Umständen“.
In the past, people would discreetly say that a woman was “in other circumstances.”
The word is made up of 'um' (around) and 'Stand' (standing/position). Literally, it describes what “stands” around a situation — that is, the accompanying conditions.
Der wichtigste Umstand war, dass wir nur wenig Zeit hatten.
The most important circumstance was that we had very little time.
The word 'Umstand' is almost always used in the plural ('die Umstände'), whether it means 'Bedingungen' (conditions) or 'Mühe' (trouble/effort). The singular is rare and rather formal.
Die Umstände haben sich geändert.
The circumstances have changed.
In the meaning of 'Bedingungen' (conditions), the word is very often used with the preposition 'unter' (+ dative).
Unter normalen Umständen würde ich das nicht tun.
Under normal circumstances, I wouldn't do that.
The meaning 'Mühe' (trouble/effort) occurs almost only in the fixed expression '(sich) keine Umstände machen' (not to go to any trouble). It is a polite phrase.
Das Essen war schnell gemacht, ich habe mir keine großen Umstände gemacht.
The meal was quick to make; I didn't go to much trouble.
The expression 'in anderen Umständen sein' is a euphemistic and somewhat old-fashioned paraphrase for 'schwanger sein' (to be pregnant). You are more likely to find it in older texts or when someone wants to be very discreet.
Sie erzählte uns, dass sie in anderen Umständen sei.
She told us that she was expecting.
situation
Situation and Umstände can both explain why an action is necessary or difficult. Situation refers to the entire current situation, while Umstände usually means individual conditions and factors that influence it. Use Situation for the overall picture and Umstände when specific accompanying factors are important.
Wegen der starken Regenfälle und anderer Umstände verschieben wir das Treffen.
Because of the heavy rainfall and other circumstances, we are postponing the meeting.
Wegen der schwierigen Situation verschieben wir das Treffen.
Because of the difficult situation, we are postponing the meeting.
