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.
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.
safety / certainty / security
'die Sicherheit' and 'die Unsicherheit' are opposites. 'Sicherheit' means that you are protected or have no doubts. 'Unsicherheit' means that there are doubts or that a situation is not stable and not safe. Learners may confuse the words because they look very similar. But the 'Un-' reverses the meaning. In a dangerous situation, you talk about 'Unsicherheit'; when there is protection or clarity, you talk about 'Sicherheit'.
Nach den schlechten Nachrichten war in der Firma viel Unsicherheit zu spüren.
After the bad news, a lot of uncertainty could be felt in the company.
Vor der Reise prüft die Ärztin die Sicherheit der Medikamente.
Before the trip, the doctor checks the safety of the medications.