With great endurance and without signs of tiredness or letting up; persistent and restless.
example
Die Freiwilligen arbeiteten unermüdlich, um den Opfern der Flut zu helfen.
The volunteers worked tirelessly to help the victims of the flood.
Usage tips
Word structure
The word is made up of the prefix 'un-' (negation) and the word 'ermüdlich', which comes from the adjective 'müde' (tired). So 'unermüdlich' literally means 'not becoming tired'.
EXAMPLE
Er ist ein unermüdlicher Kämpfer für Gerechtigkeit.
He is a tireless fighter for justice.
Use as an adverb
'Unermüdlich' is very often used as an adverb to describe how an action is carried out. It then stands directly with the verb and emphasizes endurance in the activity.
EXAMPLE
Die Wissenschaftler forschten unermüdlich an einer Lösung des Problems.
The scientists researched tirelessly for a solution to the problem.
Typical collocations
The word is often combined with verbs that express effort or commitment. Typical phrases are 'sich unermüdlich einsetzen' (to campaign tirelessly / to work tirelessly for something), 'unermüdlich arbeiten' (to work tirelessly), 'unermüdlich kämpfen' (to fight tirelessly), or 'unermüdlich suchen' (to search tirelessly).
EXAMPLE
Sie setzte sich unermüdlich für die Rechte von Minderheiten ein.
She worked tirelessly for the rights of minorities.
Style and register
'Unermüdlich' has an appreciative and often slightly formal tone. It is frequently used to positively emphasize a person's diligence and persistence.
EXAMPLE
Dank des unermüdlichen Einsatzes aller Helfer konnte das Projekt fertiggestellt werden.
Thanks to the tireless efforts of all the helpers, the project was completed.
Compare with
antonym
unermüdlich vs müde
tired
'müde' and 'unermüdlich' are clear opposites. 'müde' says that someone needs rest or sleep and no longer has full energy. 'unermüdlich', on the other hand, describes someone who keeps going for a very long time and hardly lets up. The word often fits people who work, help, or fight with a lot of endurance. So 'müde' describes a state, while 'unermüdlich' is more about a strong attitude or lasting energy.
unermüdlich
Die Ärztin arbeitet unermüdlich für ihre Patienten.
The doctor works tirelessly for her patients.
müde
Nach der Prüfung waren die Eltern müde von der langen Reise.
After the exam, the parents were tired from the long journey.