01
ungewiss
uncertain
A state or future that is not known, secure, or predictable. It describes a situation full of uncertainty.
example
Ob er die Prüfung bestanden hat, ist noch ungewiss.
Whether he passed the exam is still uncertain.
ungewiss
uncertain / hesitant
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word formation with 'un-'
The prefix 'un-' expresses negation. 'Ungewiss' (uncertain) is the opposite of 'gewiss', which means 'certain'. So 'ungewiss' means 'not certain'.
EXAMPLE
Die genaue Ursache des Problems ist noch ungewiss.
The exact cause of the problem is still uncertain.
Sentence structure with 'ob'
In the meaning 'uncertain', 'ungewiss' is often used in the fixed structure 'Es ist ungewiss, ob ...' (It is uncertain whether ...), followed by a subordinate clause.
EXAMPLE
Es ist ungewiss, ob das Wetter morgen gut genug für die Wanderung sein wird.
It is uncertain whether the weather will be good enough for the hike tomorrow.
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning from the usage: if 'ungewiss' refers to a situation or the future, it means 'uncertain'. If it describes a person or their movements, it means 'hesitant'.
EXAMPLE
Der Ausgang der Wahl ist noch völlig ungewiss.
The outcome of the election is still completely uncertain.
Typical collocations
When 'ungewiss' describes a person, it often comes before nouns like 'Schritte' (steps), 'Blick' (look), or 'Stimme' (voice) to express uncertainty in behavior.
EXAMPLE
Mit ungewisser Stimme fragte sie, was passiert sei.
In a hesitant voice, she asked what had happened.
Compare with
ungewiss vs sicher
sure / safe
'sicher' and 'ungewiss' are opposites when it comes to knowledge, planning, or the future. 'sicher' means that you have no doubt or that something is settled. 'ungewiss' means that you do not yet know how something will turn out or what will happen. So 'sicher' fits clear information and firm decisions. 'ungewiss' fits open situations in which many things are still possible.
ungewiss
Nach der Kündigung war ihre Zukunft bei der Firma ungewiss.
After the dismissal, her future at the company was uncertain.
sicher
Im Bus ist schon sicher, dass die Besprechung morgen stattfindet.
On the bus, it is already certain that the meeting will take place tomorrow.
In real life
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