uncertainty
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uncertainty
The state of not being clear about something or having doubts.
Es herrscht große Unsicherheit über die zukünftige Entwicklung der Energiepreise.
There is great uncertainty about the future development of energy prices.
insecurity / instability
A lack of security or stability; a dangerous or unstable situation.
Die politische Unsicherheit in der Region schreckt Investoren ab.
The political instability in the region is deterring investors.
insecurity
The feeling of having little self-confidence or feeling uncomfortable and inhibited in a social situation.
Er versuchte, seine Unsicherheit mit einem Lächeln zu überspielen.
He tried to cover up his insecurity with a smile.
The word is clearly structured: the prefix 'un-' negates the adjective 'sicher' (safe / certain). The ending '-heit' turns it into a noun. So 'Unsicherheit' (uncertainty / insecurity) is literally the state of not being safe or certain.
Die Unsicherheit des Wetters macht die Planung schwierig.
The uncertainty of the weather makes planning difficult.
When it is about doubt or lack of clarity, 'Unsicherheit' (uncertainty) often appears with the preposition 'über' (+ accusative). Typical verbs in this context are 'herrschen' (to prevail / exist) or 'bestehen' (to exist).
Bei den Mitarbeitern herrscht Unsicherheit über die Zukunft der Firma.
There is uncertainty among the employees about the future of the company.
The meaning of 'Gefahr' (danger) or 'Instabilität' (instability) can often be recognized from the context. Common adjectives here are 'politische' (political), 'wirtschaftliche' (economic), or 'finanzielle' (financial) with 'Unsicherheit' (uncertainty / instability).
Die wirtschaftliche Unsicherheit führt zu weniger Investitionen.
The economic uncertainty is leading to fewer investments.
When it is about a lack of self-confidence, 'Unsicherheit' (insecurity) refers to a person. You can recognize this meaning from verbs such as 'zeigen' (to show), 'verbergen' (to hide), 'spüren' (to feel), or from possessive pronouns such as 'seine' (his) or 'ihre' (her/their).
Er versuchte, seine Unsicherheit hinter lauten Worten zu verbergen.
He tried to hide his insecurity behind loud words.
doubt
Both Zweifel and Unsicherheit can express that you cannot assess something with certainty. Zweifel tends to refer to deliberately questioning the truth, correctness, or possibility of something; Unsicherheit describes the broader state of not yet having clear guidance. Use Zweifel for the specific objection and Unsicherheit for the general situation.
Wegen der vielen widersprüchlichen Aussagen herrscht bei allen große Unsicherheit.
Because of the many contradictory statements, everyone is very uncertain.
Ich habe Zweifel, ob die Aussage des Zeugen wirklich stimmt.
I doubt that the witness's statement is really true.
