unpredictable
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unpredictable
Not predictable or calculable in advance. Describes situations, developments, or also people whose behavior or course cannot be assessed.
Das Wetter in den Bergen ist oft unberechenbar und kann sich schnell ändern.
The weather in the mountains is often unpredictable and can change quickly.
unpredictable
Refers to a person whose moods and reactions change suddenly and for no apparent reason. Such people are considered moody and hard to assess.
Seit dem Vorfall ist er emotional sehr unberechenbar geworden.
Since the incident, he has become very emotionally unpredictable.
The word is made up of the prefix 'un-' (not) and 'berechenbar' (calculable/predictable). 'Berechenbar' comes from the verb 'berechnen' (to calculate). So something that is 'unberechenbar' (unpredictable) literally cannot be calculated in advance.
Die Reaktionen des Publikums waren völlig unberechenbar.
The audience's reactions were completely unpredictable.
The context shows which meaning is intended. If the word refers to things, situations, or events (e.g., the weather, costs), it means 'unvorhersehbar' (unpredictable). If it refers to a person, it often means 'launisch' (moody) or 'unzuverlässig' (unreliable).
Die Kosten für das Bauprojekt wurden unberechenbar hoch.
The costs for the construction project became unpredictably high.
In the meaning 'unvorhersehbar' (unpredictable), the word is often used for complex systems or phenomena. Typical phrases are: 'das unberechenbare Wetter' (the unpredictable weather), 'ein unberechenbares Risiko' (an unpredictable risk), 'die unberechenbare Zukunft' (the unpredictable future), or 'unberechenbare Märkte' (unpredictable markets).
Investitionen an der Börse sind immer mit einem unberechenbaren Risiko verbunden.
Investments in the stock market are always associated with an unpredictable risk.
erratic / sudden
Both words describe behavior that is difficult to predict. Sprunghaft, however, emphasizes rapid changes, for example in someone’s opinion, mood, or topic, while unberechenbar more generally refers to any unexpected reaction or action. Use sprunghaft for visible changes, and unberechenbar when predictability is lacking overall.
Der neue Kollege ist unberechenbar, weil niemand weiß, wie er auf Kritik reagieren wird.
The new colleague is unpredictable because no one knows how he will react to criticism.
Der neue Kollege ist sprunghaft, weil er im Gespräch ständig seine Meinung wechselt.
The new colleague is erratic because he keeps changing his opinion during the conversation.
