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
Both words can say that someone is being left in peace. “Ungestört” is more general and emphasizes the absence of interruptions or disturbances, while “unbehelligt” particularly highlights being spared harassment or unwanted interference. “Unbehelligt” is therefore often the better choice when the harassment is deliberate.
unbehelligt
Die Wanderin konnte auf der Bank unbehelligt lesen, weil sie von den aufdringlichen Leuten verschont blieb.
The hiker was able to read undisturbed on the bench because she was spared the attention of the pushy people.
ungestört
Die Wanderin konnte auf der Bank ungestört lesen, weil niemand sie ansprach.
The hiker was able to read undisturbed on the bench because no one spoke to her.
In real life
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