to underestimate
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to underestimate
To consider someone or something less capable, important, difficult, or dangerous than he, she, or it really is.
Wir haben den Zeitaufwand für das Projekt völlig unterschätzt.
We completely underestimated the amount of time needed for the project.
The verb 'unterschätzen' (to underestimate) is inseparable. The prefix 'unter-' remains firmly attached to the verb 'schätzen' in all sentence forms and tenses and is not placed at the end of the sentence.
Ich glaube, du unterschätzt die Schwierigkeit der Prüfung.
I think you are underestimating the difficulty of the exam.
The word is made up of the prefix 'unter-' and the verb 'schätzen'. Here, 'schätzen' means 'einschätzen' (to assess) or 'bewerten' (to evaluate). The prefix 'unter-' expresses that this assessment is too low.
Man sollte die Stärke eines Gegners niemals unterschätzen.
You should never underestimate the strength of an opponent.
'Unterschätzen' (to underestimate) is often used with abstract nouns that describe a challenge or a risk. Typical combinations are: 'die Gefahr unterschätzen' (to underestimate the danger), 'den Aufwand unterschätzen' (to underestimate the effort), 'die Kosten unterschätzen' (to underestimate the costs), or 'den Gegner unterschätzen' (to underestimate the opponent).
Viele Leute unterschätzen die Gefahr von zu viel Sonne.
Many people underestimate the danger of too much sun.
The reflexive form 'sich unterschätzen' means that you have too low an opinion of yourself. The reflexive pronoun (mich, dich, sich, etc.) is in the accusative.
Du bist viel klüger, als du denkst. Du unterschätzt dich ständig!
You are much smarter than you think. You constantly underestimate yourself!
to assess / estimate
'einschätzen' and 'unterschätzen' both have to do with making a judgment. 'einschätzen' is neutral: you form an opinion about a person, a situation, an ability, or a size/amount. This opinion can be correct, too high, or too low. 'unterschätzen' is not neutral; it means that you consider something or someone smaller, easier, less important, or less capable than they really are. The words can be confused because when you underestimate something, you are also making an assessment. The difference is: 'einschätzen' describes the act of assessing, while 'unterschätzen' describes an assessment that is too low.
Viele unterschätzen, wie schwer diese Prüfung wirklich ist.
Many people underestimate how difficult this exam really is.
Nach dem Gespräch konnte die Ärztin die Situation besser einschätzen.
After the conversation, the doctor was able to assess the situation better.