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.
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.
uncertain / hesitant
'ungewiss' and 'unberechenbar' both describe something that cannot be predicted with certainty. 'ungewiss' is especially suitable when you do not yet know the result or the future. It sounds more like uncertainty. 'unberechenbar' emphasizes more strongly that something can change suddenly or is hard to assess. This can also apply to people or developments. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with a lack of certainty. As a guide: an outcome is 'ungewiss' when you do not know it; a behavior or course of events is 'unberechenbar' when it is surprising and hard to control.
Das Wetter in den Bergen ist unberechenbar, deshalb planen wir vorsichtig.
The weather in the mountains is unpredictable, so we plan carefully.
Nach der Verletzung ist noch ungewiss, ob sie am Samstag spielen kann.
After the injury, it is still uncertain whether she can play on Saturday.