unsicher
uncertain
Describing a state in which you have doubts or do not know exactly what to do or believe.
EXAMPLE
Ich bin unsicher, ob ich das Jobangebot annehmen soll.
I am uncertain whether I should accept the job offer.
unsicher
uncertain / insecure
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Meanings
unsicher
insecure
Describing a person who lacks self-confidence and feels inhibited or nervous in social situations.
EXAMPLE
Vor Publikum wirkt er immer sehr unsicher und spricht leise.
In front of an audience, he always seems very insecure and speaks quietly.
unsicher
unsafe / unstable
Describing a place, situation, or object that involves danger or is not stable and reliable.
EXAMPLE
Die alte Holzbrücke sieht sehr unsicher aus.
The old wooden bridge looks very unsafe.
unsicher
unsteady
Describing a movement or gait that is shaky and not stable, often because of illness, injury, or age.
EXAMPLE
Nach der Operation war er noch etwas unsicher auf den Beinen.
After the operation, he was still a bit unsteady on his feet.
Usage tips
Word structure
The word is made up of the prefix 'un-' and the adjective 'sicher' (safe/secure/certain). The prefix 'un-' expresses the opposite. So 'unsicher' means 'not sicher' (not safe/secure/certain).
EXAMPLE
Ein sicherer Job ist ihm wichtiger als ein hohes Gehalt.
A secure job is more important to him than a high salary.
Context clue
Which meaning is intended depends on what is being described. If it refers to a decision, it means 'doubtful/uncertain'. If it describes a person, it means 'not self-confident'. If it refers to a place or object, it means 'dangerous' or 'unstable'.
EXAMPLE
Er ist unsicher, welchen Weg er nehmen soll.
He is uncertain which route he should take.
Sentence structure with doubt
When 'unsicher' (uncertain) expresses doubt, it is often followed by a subordinate clause with 'ob' (whether), 'was' (what), 'wie' (how), or an infinitive construction with 'zu' (to). This pattern shows what the uncertainty is about.
EXAMPLE
Sie ist unsicher, ob sie die richtige Entscheidung getroffen hat.
She is uncertain whether she made the right decision.
Fixed expression
The phrase 'etwas unsicher machen' means that someone or something is causing unrest or danger in a place. It is often used in connection with crime.
EXAMPLE
Eine Gruppe Jugendlicher machte nachts den Park unsicher.
A group of young people made the park unsafe at night.
Typical collocation
In connection with physical instability, the fixed expression 'unsicher auf den Beinen sein' (to be unsteady on one's feet) is very common. It describes a shaky gait.
EXAMPLE
Nach der langen Krankheit war der alte Mann noch sehr unsicher auf den Beinen.
After the long illness, the old man was still very unsteady on his feet.
Compare with
gefährlichnervösskeptischfraglichschüchternratlosungewisszweifelhaftgefährdetinstabilprekärunzuverlässigzögerlichunentschlossenzaghaftangeschlagen
unsicher vs gefährlich
dangerous
Gefährlich and unsicher can both warn of an increased risk of harm. Gefährlich emphasizes the specific danger and possible injuries. Unsicher focuses more on a lack of stability, reliability, or sufficient protection, but it can also indicate a danger.
unsicher
Die alte Brücke ist unsicher, weil ihr Geländer stark wackelt.
The old bridge is unsafe because its railing is wobbling badly.
gefährlich
Die beschädigte Brücke ist gefährlich, weil Teile auf den Weg fallen können.
The damaged bridge is dangerous because parts of it could fall onto the path.
In real life
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