01
unscharf
blurry
Not clear and distinct to see; blurred. Usually refers to pictures, photos, or vision.
example
Das Foto ist leider unscharf, weil die Kamera gewackelt hat.
Unfortunately, the photo is blurry because the camera shook.
unscharf
blurry / vague
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
The word is made up of the negating prefix 'un-' and the adjective 'scharf' (sharp). So it literally means 'not sharp'.
EXAMPLE
Ohne meine Brille ist alles unscharf.
Without my glasses, everything is blurry.
Context clue
The meaning of 'unscharf' depends strongly on context. In connection with seeing, photos, or images, it means 'blurry'. In connection with language, ideas, or terms, it means 'imprecise' or 'vague'.
EXAMPLE
Das letzte Foto von dir ist leider etwas unscharf geworden.
The last photo of you unfortunately came out a bit blurry.
Typical collocations (visual)
In the visual meaning, 'unscharf' (blurry) is frequently combined with nouns such as 'Foto' (photo), 'Bild' (image/picture), 'Sicht' (view/vision), or 'Erinnerung' (memory). The verb 'sehen' (to see) is also often used with it.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe nur eine unscharfe Erinnerung an den Vorfall.
I have only a blurry memory of the incident.
Typical collocations (abstract)
In the abstract meaning, 'unscharf' (vague/imprecise) often describes nouns such as 'Begriff' (term), 'Definition' (definition), 'Formulierung' (wording/formulation), or 'Aussage' (statement). It expresses that something is not precise enough.
EXAMPLE
Seine Argumentation basierte auf einer unscharfen Definition von Freiheit.
His argument was based on a vague definition of freedom.
Compare with
unscharf vs genau
exact / precise
'genau' and 'unscharf' form an opposite pair when talking about statements, terms, or wording. 'genau' means that something is clear, exact, and precise. In this context, 'unscharf' means that something is too vague and you do not know exactly what is meant. With photos, 'unscharf' means something different, namely that you cannot see the image clearly. For the opposite of 'genau', the figurative meaning is especially important: an unclear or imprecise statement.
unscharf
Die Regel ist noch unscharf, deshalb stellen viele Mitarbeiter Fragen.
The rule is still vague, so many employees are asking questions.
genau
Im Vertrag steht genau, wann die Wohnung übergeben wird.
The contract states exactly when the apartment will be handed over.
In real life
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