irregularity
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irregularity
A deviation from a rule, a norm, an expected pattern, or a smooth condition.
Bei der Prüfung der Abrechnungen wurden mehrere Unregelmäßigkeiten entdeckt.
During the audit of the accounts, several irregularities were discovered.
The word is clearly structured: the prefix 'Un-' negates the adjective 'regelmäßig' (regular). The ending '-keit' turns the adjective 'unregelmäßig' (irregular) into a noun.
Die Unregelmäßigkeit seines Herzschlags beunruhigte den Arzt.
The irregularity of his heartbeat worried the doctor.
In connection with rules and systems, 'Unregelmäßigkeit' is often used with verbs such as 'feststellen' (to identify), 'aufdecken' (to uncover), 'untersuchen' (to investigate), or 'bemerken' (to notice).
Der Buchhalter hat bei der Prüfung einige Unregelmäßigkeiten festgestellt.
The accountant identified several irregularities during the audit.
In the meaning of 'Abweichung von der Norm' (deviation from the norm), the word is often used in formal, official, or scientific contexts, for example in administration, finance, or grammar.
Die Untersuchung der Akten brachte keine Unregelmäßigkeiten zutage.
The examination of the files revealed no irregularities.
You can recognize the meaning easily from the context. If people are talking about abstract things like finances, rules, or data, it refers to a deviation from the norm. If they are talking about physical objects like walls, floors, or fabrics, it refers to unevenness of the surface.
Es gibt einige Unregelmäßigkeiten im System.
There are some irregularities in the system.
mistake / error
'der Fehler' and 'die Unregelmäßigkeit' can both describe something that is not the way it should be. 'der Fehler' sounds more clearly like something is wrong, done incorrectly, or defective. It can result from an action, a decision, or a problem in a device. 'die Unregelmäßigkeit' more often means a deviation from a pattern, a rule, or a smooth form. It does not always have to be a serious error. The words can be confused because both can point to a problem. If something is clearly wrong, you usually say 'Fehler'. If something is only noticeably different or uneven, 'Unregelmäßigkeit' fits better.
Auf der Wand sieht man eine kleine Unregelmäßigkeit in der Farbe.
You can see a small irregularity in the paint on the wall.
Der Verkäufer findet den Fehler im Kassensystem und startet es neu.
The salesperson finds the error in the cash register system and restarts it.