uninvolved / indifferent
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uninvolved
Not taking part in or being involved in an event, action, or situation.
Ein unbeteiligter Zeuge beobachtete den Unfall von der anderen Straßenseite.
An uninvolved witness observed the accident from the other side of the street.
The word consists of the prefix 'un-', which expresses negation, and 'beteiligt' (involved). 'Beteiligt' is the past participle of the verb 'sich beteiligen' (to participate / to get involved). So 'unbeteiligt' literally means 'not involved'.
Die Polizei befragte mehrere Personen, die am Streit unbeteiligt waren.
The police questioned several people who were uninvolved in the dispute.
To express what someone is not involved in, German uses the preposition 'an' followed by the dative. The structure is: 'an etwas (Dativ) unbeteiligt sein' (to be uninvolved in something).
Er schwor, dass er an dem Verbrechen völlig unbeteiligt war.
He swore that he was completely uninvolved in the crime.
In the meaning 'gleichgültig' (indifferent), 'unbeteiligt' often describes a reaction or facial expression. Typical combinations are 'eine unbeteiligte Miene' (an indifferent expression), 'ein unbeteiligter Blick' (an indifferent look), or 'unbeteiligt zusehen' (to watch indifferently).
Während alle lachten, schaute er mit unbeteiligter Miene aus dem Fenster.
While everyone was laughing, he looked out the window with an indifferent expression.
committed / engaged
'engagiert' and 'unbeteiligt' both describe how strongly someone is inwardly or practically involved in something. 'engagiert' means that someone acts with interest and commitment. 'unbeteiligt', on the other hand, means that someone does not take part or shows no real interest. So the contrast is: active and interested versus outside of it or indifferent. If someone helps with a task and takes responsibility, 'engagiert' fits. If someone just stands by or seems emotionally cold, 'unbeteiligt' fits.
Am Bahnhof steht meine Mutter unbeteiligt daneben, während die anderen über die Reise diskutieren.
At the train station, my mother stands by indifferently while the others discuss the trip.
Er ist in der Schule sehr engagiert, weil er den anderen für die Prüfung hilft.
He is very committed at school because he helps the others prepare for the exam.