ungeschickt
clumsy
A lack of physical skill or coordination, often leading to small mishaps.
EXAMPLE
Ich bin so ungeschickt, ich habe schon wieder mein Glas umgestoßen.
I'm so clumsy; I've knocked over my glass again.
ungeschickt
clumsy / awkward
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Meanings
ungeschickt
awkward / tactless
Acting or speaking in a socially inappropriate, tactless, or awkward way.
EXAMPLE
Seine ungeschickte Frage nach ihrem Alter sorgte für peinliches Schweigen.
His awkward question about her age led to an embarrassing silence.
Usage tips
Word structure
The word is made up of the negating prefix 'un-' and the adjective 'geschickt' (skillful). 'Geschickt' comes from the noun 'das Geschick' (skill, aptitude), which means something like ability or talent.
EXAMPLE
Er ist handwerklich sehr ungeschickt und kann nicht einmal einen Nagel in die Wand schlagen.
He is very clumsy with his hands and can't even hammer a nail into the wall.
Typical collocations
In the meaning of 'körperlich ungeschickt' (physically clumsy), the phrase 'sich ungeschickt anstellen' (to be clumsy / to go about something awkwardly) is often used. Combinations like 'ungeschickte Hände' (clumsy hands) or 'eine ungeschickte Bewegung' (a clumsy movement) are also typical.
EXAMPLE
Er stellte sich beim Tanzen sehr ungeschickt an.
He was very clumsy when dancing.
Context clue
You can tell from the context whether the physical or social meaning is intended. If it is about movements and actions, the meaning is physical. If it is about words, questions, or behavior in social situations, it is the social meaning.
EXAMPLE
Seine Bemerkung über ihr Kleid war wirklich ungeschickt.
His remark about her dress was really tactless.
Typical collocations
When referring to social situations, 'ungeschickt' is often combined with nouns that describe an utterance. Typical examples are 'eine ungeschickte Frage' (an awkward question), 'eine ungeschickte Bemerkung' (a tactless remark), or 'ein ungeschickter Moment' (an awkward moment).
EXAMPLE
Es war ein ungeschickter Versuch, das Thema zu wechseln.
It was an awkward attempt to change the subject.
Compare with
ungeschickt vs unglücklich
unhappy / unfortunate
Both words can describe a social remark with a negative effect. “Ungeschickt” emphasizes that someone acts without enough skill or tact, while “unglücklich” focuses more on the unsuitable choice or the regrettable effect. Use “ungeschickt” for the behavior and “unglücklich” for the unsuccessful remark or its effect.
ungeschickt
Er äußerte sich ungeschickt und verletzte ihn damit, obwohl er helfen wollte.
He expressed himself awkwardly and hurt him in the process, even though he wanted to help.
unglücklich
Die unglückliche Bemerkung verletzte ihn, obwohl sie nicht böse gemeint war.
The unfortunate remark hurt him, even though it was not meant maliciously.
In real life
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