unbeholfen
clumsy
Lacking coordination and confidence in one's movements; often appearing awkward or ungainly.
EXAMPLE
Der unbeholfene Junge stieß beim Aufstehen gegen den Tisch.
The clumsy boy bumped into the table as he stood up.
unbeholfen
clumsy / awkward
unbeholfen – unbeholfener – am unbeholfensten
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Meanings
unbeholfen
awkward
Lacking skill or confidence when interacting with other people or expressing thoughts and feelings.
EXAMPLE
Er machte ihr unbeholfen ein Kompliment und wurde dabei rot.
He awkwardly paid her a compliment and blushed as he did so.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry unbeholfen, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
Comparison
| basic form | unbeholfen |
|---|---|
| comparative | unbeholfener |
| superlative | am unbeholfensten |
After der, die, das
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -e | -e | -e | -en |
| acc. | -en | -e | -e | -en |
| dat. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
| gen. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
Add the ending to unbeholfen.
After ein, eine
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -er | -e | -es | -en |
| acc. | -en | -e | -es | -en |
| dat. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
| gen. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
Add the ending to unbeholfen.
Without article
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -er | -e | -es | -e |
| acc. | -en | -e | -es | -e |
| dat. | -em | -er | -em | -en |
| gen. | -en | -er | -en | -er |
Add the ending to unbeholfen.
Usage tips
Register and effect
'Unbeholfen' (clumsy / awkward) is generally neutral to mildly critical. However, it can also convey sympathy when someone tries to do something but is still unsure or inexperienced.
EXAMPLE
Sein unbeholfener Versuch, den Streit zu schlichten, war trotzdem ehrlich gemeint.
His awkward attempt to settle the argument was nevertheless well meant.
Physical movements
In its physical sense, 'unbeholfen' (clumsy) is often used with 'sich bewegen' (to move), 'greifen' (to reach or grasp), or 'aufstehen' (to stand up). Typical collocations include 'unbeholfene Bewegungen' (clumsy movements) and 'unbeholfene Schritte' (clumsy steps).
EXAMPLE
Wegen des schweren Rucksacks bewegte er sich unbeholfen durch den engen Flur.
Because of his heavy backpack, he moved clumsily through the narrow hallway.
Social interaction
In social contexts, 'unbeholfen' (awkward) often describes remarks or reactions. Common collocations include 'ein unbeholfenes Kompliment' (an awkward compliment), 'sich unbeholfen ausdrücken' (to express oneself awkwardly), and 'unbeholfen reagieren' (to react awkwardly).
EXAMPLE
Sie reagierte unbeholfen auf die persönliche Frage und wechselte schnell das Thema.
She reacted awkwardly to the personal question and quickly changed the subject.
In real life
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