idle / inactive
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idle
Describes a state in which someone does nothing, is passive, or does not act, even though action would be possible or expected.
Er sah nicht untätig zu, sondern griff sofort ein, um zu helfen.
He did not stand idly by, but intervened immediately to help.
The word consists of the prefix 'un-', which expresses negation, and the adjective 'tätig' (active, acting). So 'untätig' literally means 'not active' or 'not acting'.
Während die anderen diskutierten, stand er untätig in der Ecke.
While the others were discussing, he stood idly in the corner.
'Untätig' is very often combined with the verbs 'bleiben' (to remain) or 'zusehen' (to watch). These expressions emphasize passive behavior in a situation that actually requires a response.
Die Polizei konnte bei dem Verbrechen nicht einfach untätig zusehen.
The police could not simply stand idly by during the crime.
The expression is often negated ('nicht untätig bleiben' — not to remain idle) to emphasize that someone became active and took action.
Als sie die Ungerechtigkeit sah, blieb sie nicht untätig und organisierte eine Protestaktion.
When she saw the injustice, she did not remain idle and organized a protest.
lazy / rotten
Both words can be used when someone does not carry out a possible or expected action. “Untätig” states this condition without judgment, while “faul” additionally implies an unwillingness to make an effort. Use “untätig” for observed inactivity and “faul” when you are criticizing the person.
Er bleibt untätig, obwohl sein Chef auf den Bericht wartet.
He remains idle even though his boss is waiting for the report.
Er ist zu faul, den Bericht zu schreiben, obwohl sein Chef darauf wartet.
He is too lazy to write the report, even though his boss is waiting for it.
