inexplicable
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inexplicable
Not able to be explained or understood; without a logical or known cause.
Aus unerklärlichen Gründen fiel plötzlich im ganzen Stadtteil der Strom aus.
For inexplicable reasons, the power suddenly went out across the whole district.
The word is made up of the prefix 'un-' and the adjective 'erklärlich' (explainable). 'Erklärlich' is derived from the verb 'erklären' (to explain). So 'unerklärlich' literally means that something 'cannot be explained.'
Das plötzliche Verschwinden des Schiffes bleibt unerklärlich.
The sudden disappearance of the ship remains inexplicable.
To express for whom something is not understandable, 'unerklärlich' (inexplicable) is often used with a dative pronoun or noun. The typical sentence structure is: 'Es ist mir/ihm/der Polizei unerklärlich, ...' (It is inexplicable to me/him/the police...).
Es ist mir unerklärlich, wie er die Prüfung bestehen konnte.
It is inexplicable to me how he was able to pass the exam.
A very common fixed expression is 'aus unerklärlichen Gründen' (for inexplicable reasons). It is used to express that the cause of an event is unknown or not understandable.
Das System stürzte aus unerklärlichen Gründen immer wieder ab.
The system kept crashing for inexplicable reasons.
understandable
'verständlich' and 'unerklärlich' are often opposites. 'verständlich' means that you can understand something, follow it, or see it as logical. 'unerklärlich' means that you cannot find a reason or a clear explanation. The words can be confused because both have to do with understanding and reasons. Pay attention to the direction: with 'verständlich', something is clear or understandable. With 'unerklärlich', something remains unresolved and you do not understand why it is the way it is.
Am Morgen war das Auto plötzlich weg, und das ist bis heute unerklärlich.
In the morning, the car was suddenly gone, and to this day that remains inexplicable.
Nach der langen Prüfung ist es verständlich, dass sie müde ist.
After the long exam, it's understandable that she is tired.