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
unscharf
vague
Not precise, vague, or formulated inaccurately. Refers to terms, definitions, or statements.
EXAMPLE
Die Definition des Begriffs in dem Gesetzestext ist zu unscharf.
The definition of the term in the legal text is too vague.
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 unklar
unclear
In statements and definitions, „unklar“ and „unscharf“ can seem similar. „Unklar“ emphasizes a lack of understandability or clarity; „unscharf“ emphasizes imprecise wording or boundaries that have not been clearly drawn. If the statement is ambiguous, „unklar“ is appropriate; if precise distinctions are missing, „unscharf“ is often the better choice.
unscharf
Die Definition ist unscharf, weil die Grenze zwischen den beiden Gruppen nicht genau festgelegt ist.
The definition is vague because the boundary between the two groups has not been precisely defined.
unklar
Die Definition ist unklar, weil ein Satz zwei verschiedene Deutungen zulässt.
The definition is unclear because one sentence allows two different interpretations.
In real life
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