unabsichtlich
unintentionally
Describes an action that happens without intention or deliberate purpose; by accident.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe die Vase unabsichtlich umgestoßen.
I unintentionally knocked over the vase.
unabsichtlich
unintentionally
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word structure
The word is structured simply: the prefix 'un-' negates the word 'absichtlich' (intentionally). 'Absichtlich' in turn comes from the noun 'die Absicht' (intention). So 'unabsichtlich' (unintentionally) literally means 'without intention.'
EXAMPLE
Entschuldigung, ich habe Sie unabsichtlich angerempelt.
Sorry, I bumped into you unintentionally.
Sentence position
As an adverb, 'unabsichtlich' (unintentionally) describes how an action happens. It usually comes after the conjugated verb and any objects.
EXAMPLE
Er hat die Datei unabsichtlich gelöscht.
He unintentionally deleted the file.
Typical context
This word is very often used to apologize for a mistake or to explain that a negative action was an accident. It reduces one's own blame.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe dir unabsichtlich wehgetan, das tut mir sehr leid.
I unintentionally hurt you; I'm very sorry.
Compare with
unabsichtlich vs zufällig
random / by chance
Zufällig and unabsichtlich can both express a lack of planning. Unabsichtlich only says that an action was not intended; zufällig additionally suggests that the specific outcome was determined by chance. Use zufällig for an outcome caused by chance and unabsichtlich for an unintended action.
unabsichtlich
Beim Sortieren legte ich den Brief unabsichtlich auf den falschen Stapel.
While sorting, I accidentally put the letter on the wrong pile.
zufällig
Beim Sortieren legte ich den Brief zufällig auf den richtigen Stapel.
While sorting, I happened to put the letter on the correct pile.
In real life
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