unerwartet
unexpected
Describes something that happens surprisingly or that one did not expect.
EXAMPLE
Sein Besuch kam völlig unerwartet.
His visit came completely unexpectedly.
unerwartet
unexpected
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word structure
The word consists of the prefix 'un-', which expresses negation, and 'erwartet' (expected), the past participle of 'erwarten' (to expect). So it literally means 'not expected'.
EXAMPLE
Wir bekamen eine unerwartete Rechnung.
We received an unexpected bill.
Adjective or adverb
'Unerwartet' (unexpected) can stand as an adjective before a noun or as an adverb that describes a verb. As an adverb, it remains unchanged.
EXAMPLE
Das war ein unerwarteter Erfolg.
That was an unexpected success.
Typical collocations
Common combinations are 'unerwarteter Besuch' (unexpected visit), 'unerwartete Kosten' (unexpected costs), or 'eine unerwartete Nachricht' (an unexpected message). It is often intensified by adverbs like 'völlig' (completely) or 'ganz' (quite/completely).
EXAMPLE
Durch den Sturm entstanden unerwartete Kosten für die Reparatur.
The storm caused unexpected repair costs.
Compare with
unerwartet vs plötzlich
suddenly
Both words can describe a surprising event that was not expected. „Unerwartet“ emphasizes the lack of expectation, while „plötzlich“ also highlights that the event happened quickly and abruptly. Use „unerwartet“ when the surprise is important, and „plötzlich“ when the timing or speed is the main point.
unerwartet
Während wir warteten, kam unerwartet der Hausmeister herein.
While we were waiting, the janitor unexpectedly came in.
plötzlich
Während wir warteten, öffnete sich plötzlich die Tür.
While we were waiting, the door suddenly opened.
In real life
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