unexpected
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unexpected
Happening completely unexpectedly and surprisingly. It is often used for sudden, usually positive events.
Durch einen unverhofften Geldgewinn konnte er seine Schulden bezahlen.
Thanks to an unexpected cash prize, he was able to pay his debts.
The word comes from 'hoffen' (to hope). 'Verhofft' is an old form of 'erhofft' (hoped for). 'Unverhofft' (unexpected) therefore literally means 'not hoped for' and describes something you absolutely did not expect.
Er bekam unverhofft Besuch von einem alten Schulfreund.
He unexpectedly received a visit from an old school friend.
There is a well-known German proverb: 'Unverhofft kommt oft.' It means that unexpected things happen more often than you think.
Ich habe meinen Schlüssel wiedergefunden! Unverhofft kommt oft.
I found my key again! Unexpected things happen more often than you think.
'Unverhofft' (unexpectedly) is very often used as an adverb that describes the whole sentence. It then often appears at the beginning of the sentence to emphasize the surprise.
Unverhofft stand sie plötzlich vor meiner Tür.
Unexpectedly, she suddenly appeared at my door.
suddenly
'plötzlich' and 'unverhofft' both have to do with something unexpected. 'plötzlich' mainly emphasizes that something happens quickly and without warning. 'unverhofft' emphasizes the surprise more, often with an event that one did not expect. It is often used for rather positive things, such as a visit, help, or good luck. Learners may confuse the words because both express 'not expected'. If speed is important, 'plötzlich' fits better. If the surprising turn of events is important, 'unverhofft' fits better.
Luisa bekommt unverhofft Hilfe von einer Kollegin.
Luisa unexpectedly gets help from a colleague.
Beim Frühstück klingelt plötzlich das Telefon.
During breakfast, the phone suddenly rings.