01
unbehelligt
undisturbed
Not being disturbed, bothered, or hindered; left in peace.
example
Trotz des Chaos konnte der Dieb unbehelligt mit der Beute entkommen.
Despite the chaos, the thief was able to escape with the loot undisturbed.
unbehelligt
undisturbed
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word structure
The word consists of three parts: the negation 'un-' (un-), the stem of the verb 'behelligen' (to disturb, bother), and the participle ending '-t'. So it literally means 'not disturbed.'
EXAMPLE
Er wollte nur unbehelligt seine Zeitung lesen.
He just wanted to read his newspaper undisturbed.
Register and style
'Unbehelligt' (undisturbed) is a word used in formal written language. It is often found in literature, newspaper articles, or police reports, but rarely in everyday colloquial speech.
EXAMPLE
Die Demonstranten konnten die Straße unbehelligt überqueren.
The demonstrators were able to cross the street undisturbed.
Sentence structure and usage
Most often, 'unbehelligt' (undisturbed) is used as an adverb that describes how an action happens. It answers the question 'How?'. It then often stands directly before or after the verb.
EXAMPLE
Der Verdächtige konnte unbehelligt das Land verlassen.
The suspect was able to leave the country undisturbed.
Compare with
unbehelligt vs ungestört
undisturbed
'ungestört' and 'unbehelligt' both mean that someone is left in peace. 'ungestört' is general and fits work, sleep, conversations, or free time when nothing interrupts. 'unbehelligt' emphasizes more strongly that no one disturbs, bothers, or obstructs someone. It sounds a little more formal or serious. If it is only about peace and quiet, 'ungestört' is usually more natural. If it is about harassment, control, or outside pressure, 'unbehelligt' fits better.
unbehelligt
Der Kunde konnte sich im Laden unbehelligt umsehen.
The customer was able to browse around the shop undisturbed.
ungestört
Bitte lass mich kurz ungestört telefonieren.
Please let me make a quick phone call without being disturbed.
In real life
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