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.
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.
possibility
'die Möglichkeit' and 'die Unmöglichkeit' are clear opposites. 'Möglichkeit' means that something can be done or is open as an option. 'Unmöglichkeit' means that something cannot happen or cannot be done. 'Möglichkeit' sounds very normal in everyday language and can also simply describe a choice. 'Unmöglichkeit' is stronger and emphasizes that something really is not feasible.
Wegen des starken Schnees war die Fahrt zur Hütte eine Unmöglichkeit.
Because of the heavy snow, the trip to the cabin was impossible.
Morgen hat er die Möglichkeit, sich persönlich vorzustellen.
Tomorrow he has the opportunity to introduce himself in person.