safe / harmless
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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.
without hesitation
Without hesitation or doubt; in such a way that there are no moral or practical objections.
Sie können dieses Dokument unbedenklich unterschreiben, es ist alles in Ordnung.
You can sign this document without hesitation; everything is in order.
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 positively describe permitted use or possible consumption. Sicher generally emphasizes protection from danger or harm. Unbedenklich is narrower and specifically says that there is no reason for concern regarding health. Use „unbedenklich“ for a health assessment and „sicher“ for general protection.
Der geprüfte Tee ist auch für Kinder unbedenklich und kann ohne Sorge getrunken werden.
The tested tea is safe for children too and can be drunk without concern.
Der Helm ist sicher, weil er den Kopf bei einem Sturz gut schützt.
The helmet is safe because it protects the head well in a fall.
