unsauber
unclean
Not clean, but dirty or covered in dirt.
EXAMPLE
Nach der Gartenarbeit waren seine Hände ganz unsauber.
After working in the garden, his hands were completely dirty.
unsauber
unclean / sloppy / underhanded
unsauber – unsauberer – am unsaubersten
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Meanings
unsauber
sloppy
Not carried out carefully or accurately, or executed poorly from a technical standpoint.
EXAMPLE
Die unsaubere Arbeit musste noch einmal gemacht werden.
The sloppy work had to be done again.
unsauber
underhanded
Morally questionable, unfair, or dishonest.
EXAMPLE
Der unsaubere Geschäftstrick brachte ihm viel Kritik ein.
The underhanded business trick drew a great deal of criticism.
unsauber
foul
Against the rules or unfair in sports.
EXAMPLE
Der Verteidiger wurde nach einem unsauberen Zweikampf verwarnt.
The defender was cautioned after a foul challenge.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry unsauber, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
Comparison
| basic form | unsauber |
|---|---|
| comparative | unsauberer |
| superlative | am unsaubersten |
After der, die, das
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -e | -e | -e | -en |
| acc. | -en | -e | -e | -en |
| dat. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
| gen. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
Add the ending to unsauber.
After ein, eine
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -er | -e | -es | -en |
| acc. | -en | -e | -es | -en |
| dat. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
| gen. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
Add the ending to unsauber.
Without article
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -er | -e | -es | -e |
| acc. | -en | -e | -es | -e |
| dat. | -em | -er | -em | -en |
| gen. | -en | -er | -en | -er |
Add the ending to unsauber.
Usage tips
Word formation
'Unsauber' (unclean) consists of 'un-' and 'sauber' (clean). Here, the prefix 'un-' indicates that a quality is missing or has been changed in a negative direction; the word can therefore be used both literally and figuratively.
EXAMPLE
Die unsaubere Oberfläche musste vor dem Streichen gründlich gereinigt werden.
The unclean surface had to be thoroughly cleaned before painting.
Typical collocations
In its literal meaning, 'unsauber' (unclean) is often used with body parts, clothing, or objects, for example hands, shoes, clothing, or surfaces.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Umzug waren ihre Schuhe und ihre Jacke völlig unsauber.
After moving house, her shoes and jacket were completely dirty.
Quality of work
When describing an activity or result, 'unsauber' (sloppy) often indicates a lack of precision. Typical collocations include 'unsaubere Ausführung' (sloppy execution), 'unsaubere Linien' (untidy lines), and 'unsaubere Arbeit' (sloppy work).
EXAMPLE
Der Prüfer bemängelte die unsaubere Ausführung der Zeichnung.
The examiner criticized the sloppy execution of the drawing.
Figurative meaning
In its moral meaning, 'unsauber' (underhanded) is often used with methods, business dealings, or tricks. The context then concerns honesty, fairness, or legally questionable behavior.
EXAMPLE
Die Firma geriet wegen unsauberer Methoden bei der Auftragsvergabe in die Kritik.
The company came under criticism because of underhanded methods in awarding contracts.
Sports context
In sports, 'unsauber' (foul) is especially often used with 'Zweikampf' (challenge), 'Spiel' (game), or 'Aktion' (action). It then refers to behavior that is against the rules or unfair during the game.
EXAMPLE
Der Schiedsrichter ahndete die unsaubere Aktion sofort mit einer Verwarnung.
The referee immediately punished the unfair move with a caution.
In real life
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