01
unbewusst
unconsciously
Something happens or is done without one noticing it, thinking about it, or intentionally controlling it.
example
Er hat sie mit seiner Bemerkung unbewusst gekränkt.
He unconsciously hurt her with his comment.
unbewusst
unconscious / unconsciously
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
The word consists of the prefix 'un-' and the adjective 'bewusst' (aware, conscious). The prefix 'un-' negates the meaning of 'bewusst' (aware, conscious) and therefore means 'not conscious' or 'not aware'.
EXAMPLE
Viele unserer täglichen Handlungen laufen unbewusst ab.
Many of our daily actions happen unconsciously.
Context clue
In everyday language, 'unbewusst' (unconscious/unconsciously) usually means 'unintentionally' or 'without noticing it'. In texts about psychology or therapy, it refers to the psychological concept of the unconscious.
EXAMPLE
Er hat unbewusst immer wieder den gleichen Fehler gemacht.
He unconsciously made the same mistake again and again.
Use as an adverb
'Unbewusst' (unconsciously) is very often used as an adverb to describe a verb. It answers the question 'How did something happen?' and then usually stands directly before or after the verb.
EXAMPLE
Sie hat ihn unbewusst an eine Person aus ihrer Kindheit erinnert.
She unconsciously reminded him of a person from his childhood.
Word family
The noun 'das Unbewusste' (the unconscious) is formed from the adjective 'unbewusst' (unconscious). This is a central term in psychology and refers to the part of the psyche that is not directly accessible to consciousness.
EXAMPLE
Sigmund Freud hat die Bedeutung des Unbewussten für unser Verhalten erforscht.
Sigmund Freud researched the importance of the unconscious for our behavior.
Compare with
unbewusst vs bewusst
conscious / deliberate
'bewusst' and 'unbewusst' are opposites. 'bewusst' means that someone does something deliberately or is clear about something. 'unbewusst' means that something happens without someone noticing it, controlling it, or thinking about it. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with thinking and perception. The direction is important: with 'bewusst', the person is mentally involved; with 'unbewusst', something happens more automatically or without clear intention.
unbewusst
Bei der Bewerbung sprach meine Freundin unbewusst sehr leise.
During the job application, my friend unconsciously spoke very quietly.
bewusst
Herr Demir nutzt bewusst einfache Wörter, damit der Kurs ihn versteht.
Mr. Demir deliberately uses simple words so that the class understands him.
In real life
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