impossibility
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impossibility
The state or fact that something cannot happen, exist, or be done.
Die Reise zum Mars in nur einem Tag ist nach heutigem Stand der Technik eine Unmöglichkeit.
A trip to Mars in just one day is an impossibility with today's technology.
impossible person
A person, or their behavior, that is perceived as completely unacceptable, rude, or unbearable.
Wie er mit den Kellnern spricht – dieser Mann ist eine einzige Unmöglichkeit!
The way he talks to the waiters—this man is just impossible!
The word is built logically: The prefix 'un-' negates the adjective 'möglich' (possible), and the ending '-keit' turns it into a noun. So it describes the state of not being possible.
Die Unmöglichkeit, den Termin zu verschieben, ärgerte ihn.
The impossibility of postponing the appointment annoyed him.
A common expression is 'an eine Unmöglichkeit grenzen' (to border on an impossibility). It is used to express that something is extremely difficult and almost impossible.
Seine Forderungen grenzen an eine Unmöglichkeit.
His demands border on an impossibility.
This meaning is used exclusively for people or their behavior. When 'Unmöglichkeit' (impossibility / impossible person) describes a person, it is always a very strong negative judgment.
Er hat sich bei allen Gästen beschwert. Dieser Kunde ist eine Unmöglichkeit!
He complained to all the guests. This customer is impossible!
Calling a person an 'Unmöglichkeit' (impossible person) is a very harsh and derogatory criticism. It means that their behavior is perceived as completely unacceptable and unbearable.
Es ist eine Unmöglichkeit, wie sie mit ihren Mitarbeitern umgeht.
The way she treats her employees is impossible.
impudence / outrage
Both words can describe an action or statement as completely unacceptable. „Die Unmöglichkeit“ expresses general outrage or intolerability, while „die Unverschämtheit“ particularly emphasizes brazenness and disrespect. Choose „Unverschämtheit“ when someone deliberately violates boundaries or common decency.
Dass der Termin ohne jede Erklärung abgesagt wurde, ist eine Unmöglichkeit.
Canceling the appointment without any explanation is completely unacceptable.
Dass du mich vor allen Gästen beleidigt hast, ist eine Unverschämtheit.
Insulting me in front of all the guests is outrageous.
