uncertainty / ambiguity
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uncertainty
A state in which something is not clear, definite, or understandable and leads to uncertainty or confusion.
Es herrscht noch Unklarheit über die genaue Ursache des Unfalls.
There is still uncertainty about the exact cause of the accident.
unclear point
A specific point or question that has not been clarified. It is often used in the plural to refer to several open questions.
Bevor wir weitermachen, sollten wir alle Unklarheiten beseitigen.
Before we continue, we should clear up all unclear points.
The word is made up of three parts: the prefix 'un-' (un-), the adjective 'klar' (clear), and the ending '-heit' (-ness). The prefix 'un-' means 'not', and the ending '-heit' turns an adjective into a noun that describes a state. So 'Unklarheit' (uncertainty/ambiguity) is literally the state of not being clear.
Die Unklarheit der Anweisungen führte zu vielen Fehlern.
The lack of clarity in the instructions led to many mistakes.
'Unklarheit' (uncertainty/ambiguity) is a neutral to formal word. It is often used in written language, in the news, or in professional contexts to express uncertainty or open questions.
In der E-Mail des Chefs gab es einige Unklarheiten bezüglich der neuen Regeln.
There were some unclear points in the boss's email regarding the new rules.
When 'Unklarheit' (uncertainty) describes a general state, it is often used with the verbs 'herrschen' (to prevail/exist) or 'bestehen' (to exist). The topic of the uncertainty is usually introduced with the preposition 'über' (about) and the accusative.
Lange Zeit bestand Unklarheit über die Zukunft des Projekts.
For a long time, there was uncertainty about the future of the project.
When referring to specific open points, the verbs 'beseitigen' (to eliminate), 'klären' (to clarify), or 'ausräumen' (to clear up) are often used. In this case, the word often appears in the plural.
Können wir bitte vor dem Treffen alle Unklarheiten klären?
Can we please clarify all unclear points before the meeting?
uncertainty
Unklarheit refers to something that is not clear or understandable. Unsicherheit, by contrast, is the state of a person who therefore does not know what applies or what to do. Use Unklarheit for the unclear problem and Unsicherheit for the doubts that result from it.
In der Anweisung bestand eine Unklarheit über den genauen Termin.
The instruction was unclear about the exact date.
Die ungenaue Anweisung führte bei den Mitarbeitern zu Unsicherheit über den Termin.
The vague instruction left the employees uncertain about the date.
