unabhängig
independent
Not controlled or ruled by other people, states, or powers; autonomous, sovereign.
EXAMPLE
Das Land wurde 1960 unabhängig.
The country became independent in 1960.
unabhängig
independent
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Meanings
unabhängig
independent
Not financially dependent on support from others; self-sufficient.
EXAMPLE
Mit ihrem ersten festen Gehalt wurde sie endlich finanziell unabhängig von ihren Eltern.
With her first regular salary, she finally became financially independent from her parents.
unabhängig
independent
Not influenced or determined by something else; objective and impartial.
EXAMPLE
Ein unabhängiger Gutachter soll den Schaden bewerten.
An independent expert is to assess the damage.
unabhängig von
regardless of
Without regard to something; irrespective of something.
EXAMPLE
Unabhängig vom Wetter findet die Veranstaltung statt.
Regardless of the weather, the event will take place.
Usage tips
Word structure
The word has a clear structure: the prefix 'un-' means 'not', and 'abhängig' comes from the verb 'abhängen' (to depend). So 'unabhängig' (independent) literally means 'not dependent on something or someone'.
EXAMPLE
Sie möchte eine unabhängige Entscheidung treffen.
She wants to make an independent decision.
Fixed preposition
'Unabhängig' (independent) is almost always used with the preposition 'von' (from / of) and the dative. This construction shows what the independence consists of.
EXAMPLE
Er ist finanziell unabhängig von seinen Eltern.
He is financially independent from his parents.
Political context
In a political context, 'unabhängig' (independent) is often combined with nouns such as 'Staat' (state), 'Land' (country), or 'Nation' (nation). A common phrase is 'unabhängig werden' (to become independent).
EXAMPLE
Viele ehemalige Kolonien sind heute unabhängige Staaten.
Many former colonies are independent states today.
Financial context
In this meaning, the word is often supplemented by adverbs such as 'finanziell' (financially) or 'wirtschaftlich' (economically) to specify the type of independence.
EXAMPLE
Durch den neuen Job ist sie nun wirtschaftlich unabhängig.
Thanks to the new job, she is now economically independent.
Objectivity and neutrality
When it comes to neutrality, 'unabhängig' (independent) often describes people or institutions that are supposed to be impartial, e.g. 'unabhängige Medien' (independent media), 'eine unabhängige Kommission' (an independent commission), or 'ein unabhängiger Experte' (an independent expert).
EXAMPLE
Eine unabhängige Untersuchung soll die Ursache des Unfalls klären.
An independent investigation is to determine the cause of the accident.
Word order
When used to introduce a sentence, 'Unabhängig von...' (regardless of...) is in position 1. The verb of the main clause then moves directly after it into position 2.
EXAMPLE
Unabhängig von seiner Meinung werden wir das Projekt starten.
Regardless of his opinion, we will start the project.
Compare with
unabhängig vs egal
indifferent / no matter
Egal and unabhängig can express that a statement applies under different conditions. Egal can directly introduce a subordinate clause with “ob,” “was,” or “wie.” Unabhängig is generally used with “von” or “davon” and thus names the condition that has no influence.
unabhängig
Das Fest findet unabhängig davon statt, ob es regnet.
The festival will take place regardless of whether it rains.
egal
Das Fest findet statt, egal, ob es regnet.
The festival will take place, no matter whether it rains.
In real life
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