inappropriate / excessive
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inappropriate
Not suitable or proper for a particular situation, occasion, or person. Often refers to behavior, clothing, or remarks.
Sein Witz war in der ernsten Situation völlig unangemessen.
His joke was completely inappropriate in the serious situation.
excessive
To a degree that is perceived as exaggerated, disproportionate, or unjustified. Often refers to prices, punishments, or demands.
Der geforderte Preis für das alte Auto ist unangemessen hoch.
The asking price for the old car is excessively high.
The word consists of the prefix 'un-' (a negation) and 'angemessen' (appropriate). 'Angemessen' is derived from the verb 'messen' (to measure). Something that is 'unangemessen' (inappropriate/excessive) therefore literally does not fit the right measure of the situation.
Seine Reaktion war der Situation nicht angemessen, also war sie unangemessen.
His reaction was not appropriate to the situation, so it was inappropriate.
To intensify the meaning, 'unangemessen' (inappropriate/excessive) is often combined with adverbs such as 'völlig' (completely), 'total' (totally), or 'absolut' (absolutely).
Ich fand seine Bemerkung absolut unangemessen.
I found his remark absolutely inappropriate.
In the meaning 'unpassend' (unsuitable/inappropriate), the word often refers to social contexts. Typical combinations are 'unangemessenes Verhalten' (inappropriate behavior), 'unangemessene Kleidung' (inappropriate clothing), or 'eine unangemessene Frage' (an inappropriate question).
Er wurde wegen unangemessenen Verhaltens am Arbeitsplatz ermahnt.
He was reprimanded for inappropriate behavior at work.
You can recognize this meaning by the fact that it is about a degree or an amount. Pay attention to nouns such as 'Preis' (price), 'Strafe' (punishment/fine), 'Forderung' (demand), or combinations with adverbs such as 'hoch' (high) or 'niedrig' (low).
Eine Strafe von 500 Euro für Falschparken wäre unangemessen hoch.
A fine of 500 euros for illegal parking would be excessively high.
unsuitable
Ungeeignet describes a lack of practical suitability for a purpose. Unangemessen, by contrast, assesses whether clothing, behavior, or remarks fit the rules and expectations of a situation. Use ungeeignet for safety or function; use unangemessen when something violates situational expectations.
Sandalen sind bei dieser feierlichen Zeremonie unangemessen.
Sandals are inappropriate at this formal ceremony.
Sandalen sind für die schwierige Bergtour ungeeignet.
Sandals are unsuitable for the difficult mountain hike.
