01
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 bewusst
conscious / deliberate
'bewusst' and 'unabsichtlich' are opposites when it comes to the intention behind an action. 'bewusst' means: someone does something deliberately and knows what they are doing. 'unabsichtlich' means: something happens by mistake, without a plan or intention. If you want to say that someone acted responsibly and deliberately, 'bewusst' fits. If something was only a mistake or a coincidence, 'unabsichtlich' fits.
unabsichtlich
Im Gespräch hat Maria unabsichtlich den falschen Namen gesagt.
During the conversation, Maria unintentionally said the wrong name.
bewusst
Er hat bewusst einen früheren Zug genommen, um pünktlich zu sein.
He deliberately took an earlier train to be on time.
In real life
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