non-binding / noncommittal
Loading your saved state.
non-binding
Without a legal or contractual obligation; not binding. Often used for offers, price information, or recommendations.
Dies ist eine unverbindliche Preisempfehlung des Herstellers.
This is a non-binding price recommendation from the manufacturer.
noncommittal
Describes the behavior of a person who does not want to commit and remains vague or evasive.
Auf die Frage, ob er am Wochenende Zeit habe, gab er nur eine unverbindliche Antwort.
When asked whether he had time on the weekend, he gave only a noncommittal answer.
The word 'unverbindlich' is the opposite of 'verbindlich' (binding, obligatory). The prefix 'un-' means 'not'. Something 'Unverbindliches' (non-binding) therefore creates no obligation.
Ich möchte nur eine unverbindliche Auskunft zu Ihren Preisen.
I would just like some non-binding information about your prices.
If 'unverbindlich' refers to things like offers, prices, or appointments, it means 'not binding'. If it refers to a person or their answer, it means that this person does not want to commit.
Das Hotel schickte uns ein unverbindliches Angebot für ein Wochenende.
The hotel sent us a non-binding offer for a weekend.
The word is very common in business. Typical combinations are 'unverbindliches Angebot' (non-binding offer), 'unverbindliche Anfrage' (non-binding inquiry), or the abbreviation 'UVP' for 'unverbindliche Preisempfehlung' (non-binding price recommendation).
Die unverbindliche Preisempfehlung für dieses Gerät liegt bei 99 Euro.
The non-binding price recommendation for this device is 99 euros.
When a person is described as 'unverbindlich' (noncommittal), it means that they remain vague and avoid clear commitments. You can 'unverbindlich bleiben' (remain noncommittal) or 'sich unverbindlich äußern' (express oneself noncommittally).
Auf meine Einladung zum Abendessen hat er nur unverbindlich reagiert.
He reacted only noncommittally to my dinner invitation.
casual
When describing a relationship, both words can express a lack of firm commitment. „Unverbindlich“ explicitly emphasizes that a person does not want to commit, while „casual“ describes a relaxed and not very serious attitude or relationship. When the focus is on a lack of commitment, „unverbindlich“ is appropriate; when the relaxed nature is emphasized, „casual“ also works.
Sie wollten sich weiter treffen, aber ihre Beziehung blieb unverbindlich.
They wanted to keep seeing each other, but their relationship remained noncommittal.
Sie wollten sich weiter treffen, aber ihre Beziehung blieb casual und ohne große Erwartungen.
They wanted to keep seeing each other, but their relationship remained casual, with no great expectations.
