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.
incomprehensible
When referring to behavior, „unverständlich“ means that you cannot understand or make sense of it. „Unerklärlich“ puts greater emphasis on the fact that no logical or known cause can be identified. Use „unerklärlich“ especially when looking for a reason, and „unverständlich“ when you simply cannot understand the action.
Dass er den Termin ohne erkennbaren Anlass absagt, ist unerklärlich.
It is inexplicable that he is canceling the appointment for no apparent reason.
Dass er den Termin trotz seiner festen Zusage absagt, ist für mich unverständlich.
I cannot understand why he is canceling the appointment despite his firm commitment.
