unfreiwillig
involuntary
Happening against one's own will or without one's own intention.
EXAMPLE
Er legte eine unfreiwillige Pause ein, weil der Zug Verspätung hatte.
He took an involuntary break because the train was delayed.
unfreiwillig
involuntary / unintentional
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Meanings
unfreiwillig
unintentional
Happening unintentionally and often in a funny or embarrassing way.
EXAMPLE
Durch seinen Versprecher sorgte der Redner für unfreiwillige Komik im Publikum.
Through his slip of the tongue, the speaker created unintentional comedy among the audience.
Usage tips
Word structure
The word is structured simply: it is the negation of 'freiwillig' (voluntary). The prefix 'un-' reverses the meaning of 'aus eigenem Willen' (of one's own free will).
EXAMPLE
Er musste eine unfreiwillige Überstunde machen.
He had to work an involuntary hour of overtime.
Sentence structure and usage
'Unfreiwillig' (involuntary/unintentional) can be used as an adjective before a noun or as an adverb that describes the manner of an action.
EXAMPLE
Der Streik führte zu einer unfreiwilligen Arbeitspause. (Adjektiv)
The strike led to an involuntary work break. (Adjective)
Typical collocation
In the meaning of 'unintentionally funny', the word is very often used in the fixed expression 'unfreiwillige Komik' (unintentional comedy). This combination describes a situation that is funny without that being intended.
EXAMPLE
Der Politiker sorgte mit seinem Fehler für unfreiwillige Komik.
The politician's mistake created unintentional comedy.
Compare with
unfreiwillig vs widerwillig
reluctant
Unfreiwillig and widerwillig both show that something is not in accordance with one's wishes. Unfreiwillig means that the person has no free choice. Widerwillig means that the person consciously performs the action but feels inner resistance while doing so.
unfreiwillig
Wegen des ausgefallenen Zuges blieb er unfreiwillig länger im Büro.
Because his train was canceled, he involuntarily stayed at the office longer.
widerwillig
Auf die Bitte seines Chefs blieb er widerwillig länger im Büro.
At his boss's request, he reluctantly stayed at the office longer.
In real life
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