irrelevant / insignificant
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irrelevant
Unimportant, insignificant, or not relevant to a particular matter. Something that has no notable influence or consequences.
Ob wir fünf Minuten früher oder später ankommen, ist unerheblich.
Whether we arrive five minutes earlier or later is irrelevant.
The word is made up of the negation 'un-' and the adjective 'erheblich' (significant/considerable). 'Erheblich' means 'significant' or 'considerable', so 'unerheblich' (irrelevant/insignificant) literally means 'not significant'.
Der finanzielle Schaden war zum Glück unerheblich.
Fortunately, the financial damage was insignificant.
'Unerheblich' (irrelevant/insignificant) is a word used mainly in written language, formal discussions, or official contexts. It sounds more elevated than everyday expressions.
Für den Ausgang des Verfahrens sind diese Details unerheblich.
These details are irrelevant to the outcome of the proceedings.
'Unerheblich' (irrelevant) is very often used in the structure 'Es ist unerheblich, ob/wer/was/wie ...' (It is irrelevant whether/who/what/how ...), followed by a subordinate clause. This expresses that a particular question or condition does not matter.
Es ist unerheblich, wer den Fehler gemacht hat; wichtig ist, dass wir ihn beheben.
It is irrelevant who made the mistake; what matters is that we fix it.
unimportant
Unwichtig and unerheblich can both express that something has no notable significance or consequences. Unwichtig is neutral in register and fits everyday situations well; unerheblich sounds more factual and formal and is therefore typical of reports or assessments.
Laut Prüfbericht ist die kleine Verzögerung unerheblich.
According to the inspection report, the minor delay is insignificant.
Für mich ist die kleine Verzögerung unwichtig.
The minor delay is unimportant to me.
