01
das Unheil
calamity
A very great misfortune, a disaster, or an event with serious consequences.
example
Der schwere Hagelsturm hat in der Landwirtschaft großes Unheil angerichtet.
The severe hailstorm caused great calamity in agriculture.
das Unheil
calamity / disaster
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
Usage tips
Word composition
The word consists of the negative prefix 'Un-' and the noun 'Heil' (good fortune/well-being). 'Unheil' (calamity/disaster) is therefore literally the opposite of good fortune and describes a great misfortune.
EXAMPLE
Viele Menschen fürchteten, dass der Krieg neues Unheil über das Land bringen würde.
Many people feared that the war would bring new calamity upon the country.
No plural
'Unheil' (calamity/disaster) is an uncountable noun and is used almost exclusively in the singular. You do not say 'vielen Unheilen', but rather 'viel Unheil' (much calamity/a lot of harm).
EXAMPLE
Die Flut hat viel Unheil verursacht.
The flood caused a lot of harm.
Typical verbs
'Unheil' (calamity/disaster) is often combined with certain verbs that describe a negative action. Typical combinations are 'Unheil anrichten' (to cause harm), 'Unheil stiften' (to stir up trouble/cause harm), or 'Unheil bringen' (to bring calamity).
EXAMPLE
Mit seinen Lügen hat er nur Unheil gestiftet.
With his lies, he only caused harm.
Compare with
Unheil vs Katastrophe
catastrophe
'die Katastrophe' and 'das Unheil' can both mean a great misfortune with serious consequences. 'Katastrophe' is very common in everyday language and in the news, especially for accidents, natural events, or major damage. 'Unheil' sounds more serious, somewhat elevated, or more dramatic. It is often used when something bad is threatening to happen or has happened, without describing it in precise technical terms. For concrete events like an earthquake, 'Katastrophe' is usually more natural; 'Unheil' fits better when you want to emphasize the evil or terrible aspect of a situation.
Unheil
Die Familie bemerkte das Unheil erst, als Rauch aus dem Keller kam.
The family only noticed the calamity when smoke came from the basement.
Katastrophe
Das Erdbeben hat eine Katastrophe ausgelöst.
The earthquake triggered a catastrophe.
In real life
Loading video examples...