unbeantwortet
unanswered
Describes a question, letter, or message to which no answer has been given.
EXAMPLE
Seine E-Mail blieb eine Woche lang unbeantwortet.
His email went unanswered for a week.
unbeantwortet
unanswered
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Meanings
unbeantwortet
unanswered
Describes a problem or matter that has not yet been solved or clarified.
EXAMPLE
Viele Fragen zur Entstehung des Universums sind bis heute unbeantwortet.
Many questions about the origin of the universe remain unanswered to this day.
Usage tips
Word structure
'Unbeantwortet' (unanswered) is formed from the prefix 'un-' and the past participle 'beantwortet' (answered), from 'beantworten' (to answer). So it describes a state in which something has not been answered.
EXAMPLE
Leider sind noch viele meiner Fragen unbeantwortet.
Unfortunately, many of my questions are still unanswered.
Use with 'bleiben'
'Unbeantwortet' (unanswered) is very frequently used together with the verb 'bleiben' (to remain). This construction emphasizes that a state continues over a certain period of time.
EXAMPLE
Seine Bitte um Hilfe blieb leider unbeantwortet.
His request for help unfortunately remained unanswered.
Typical combinations
In this meaning, 'unbeantwortet' (unanswered) refers to direct communication. Typical nouns are 'Frage' (question), 'E-Mail' (email), 'Brief' (letter), 'Nachricht' (message), or 'Anruf' (call).
EXAMPLE
Ich habe drei unbeantwortete Anrufe von meiner Chefin auf dem Handy.
I have three unanswered calls from my boss on my phone.
Context clue
When it is about major, often scientific or philosophical topics, 'unbeantwortet' (unanswered) means something like 'unsolved' or 'unresolved'. It then describes a still-existing mystery or problem.
EXAMPLE
Die Frage nach Leben auf anderen Planeten ist bislang unbeantwortet.
The question of life on other planets remains unanswered so far.
Compare with
unbeantwortet vs offen
open
An open question has still not been decided or clarified. An unanswered question has not yet received an answer, for example despite a message or a direct inquiry. “Offen” therefore describes the general status, while “unbeantwortet” explicitly indicates that no answer has been given.
unbeantwortet
Nach drei E-Mails ist die Frage nach dem Termin noch unbeantwortet.
After three emails, the question of the date is still unanswered.
offen
Nach dem Gespräch ist die Frage nach dem Termin noch offen.
After the conversation, the question of the date is still open.
In real life
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