01
unbekannt
unknown
Someone or something is not known to a person or group; one knows nothing about it.
example
Die Ursache des Feuers ist bisher unbekannt.
The cause of the fire is still unknown.
unbekannt
unknown
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 03
Usage tips
Word structure
The word is made up of the prefix 'un-' and the adjective 'bekannt' (known). The prefix 'un-' means 'not', so 'unbekannt' (unknown) literally means 'not known'.
EXAMPLE
Der Absender des Pakets war unbekannt.
The sender of the package was unknown.
Dative construction
To express who does not know something, German uses a dative construction. The person to whom something is unknown is in the dative case.
EXAMPLE
Diese Telefonnummer ist mir völlig unbekannt.
This phone number is completely unknown to me.
Typical collocations
Common combinations are 'aus unbekannten Gründen' (for unknown reasons), 'ein unbekannter Täter' (an unknown perpetrator), or 'an einem unbekannten Ort' (in/at an unknown place).
EXAMPLE
Das Konzert wurde aus bisher unbekannten Gründen abgesagt.
The concert was canceled for reasons that are still unknown.
Fixed expression
The phrase 'unbekannt verzogen' (moved, address unknown) is a fixed expression from administrative language. You often find it as a stamp or note on letters that could not be delivered.
EXAMPLE
Die Rechnung kam zurück mit dem Vermerk: „Empfänger unbekannt verzogen“.
The invoice came back with the note: 'recipient moved, address unknown'.
Compare with
unbekannt vs neu
new
'neu' and 'unbekannt' can both express that you do not yet know something or someone. 'neu' often sounds more natural when someone or something is in a situation, group, or environment for the first time. 'unbekannt' puts stronger emphasis on not having any information, or on a person not being famous. A new colleague is new to the team, even if you know their name. An unknown person is someone you do not know. So the words are similar, but 'neu' often describes the situation, while 'unbekannt' more often describes the state of knowledge.
unbekannt
Am Morgen stand eine unbekannte Nummer auf dem Display.
In the morning, an unknown number appeared on the display.
neu
Im Büro sitzt heute eine neue Kollegin neben Julia.
A new colleague is sitting next to Julia in the office today.
In real life
Loading video examples...