safe / harmless
Loading your saved state.
safe / harmless
Without risk or danger, especially with regard to health. Something is harmless and can be used or consumed without concern.
Der Farbstoff in diesen Süßigkeiten ist für Kinder gesundheitlich unbedenklich.
The coloring in these sweets is safe for children from a health perspective.
The word is made up of three parts: the negation 'un-' (un-), the noun 'Bedenken' (doubts, concerns), and the ending '-lich' (-ly/-able). 'Unbedenklich' therefore literally means 'without concerns' or 'without worries'.
Der Arzt versicherte mir, dass die Einnahme des Medikaments unbedenklich sei.
The doctor assured me that taking the medication was safe.
You can recognize the meaning from the context. If it is about health, food, or the environment, it means 'harmless' or 'safe'. If it is about an action or decision, it means 'without hesitation'.
Das Trinkwasser aus diesem Brunnen ist unbedenklich.
The drinking water from this well is safe.
In connection with health and safety, 'unbedenklich' is often combined with adverbs. Typical formulations are 'gesundheitlich unbedenklich' (safe from a health perspective), 'ökologisch unbedenklich' (environmentally safe), or 'für den Verzehr unbedenklich' (safe for consumption).
Diese Babyspielzeuge sind aus gesundheitlich unbedenklichen Materialien gefertigt.
These baby toys are made from materials that are safe from a health perspective.
In the meaning 'without hesitation', 'unbedenklich' is very often used as an adverb describing a verb. It answers the question 'How is something done?'.
Du kannst mir diese Aufgabe unbedenklich anvertrauen.
You can entrust me with this task without hesitation.
sure / safe
'sicher' and 'unbedenklich' can both say that there is no need to worry. 'sicher' is more general: it can be about protection from danger, reliable technology, or a protected situation. 'unbedenklich' is often used when something poses no risk to health or when there are no good objections to it. It sounds more factual and often fits food, medicine, materials, or decisions. Learners may confuse the words because both sound reassuring. When it is generally about protection or reliability, 'sicher' is more natural. When checking whether something is harmless or permitted, 'unbedenklich' fits better.
Die Ärztin sagt, dass dieses Medikament für Kinder unbedenklich ist.
The doctor says that this medication is safe for children.
Im Gespräch erklärt der Verkäufer, dass der Kindersitz sicher ist.
During the conversation, the salesperson explains that the child seat is safe.