incomprehension / lack of understanding
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lack of understanding
The inability or unwillingness to understand another person's actions, motives, or statements, or a situation.
Seine plötzliche Kündigung stieß bei den Kollegen auf völliges Unverständnis.
His sudden resignation was met with complete lack of understanding among his colleagues.
The word consists of the negation 'Un-' and the noun 'Verständnis' (understanding). It therefore literally describes the absence of understanding. The noun 'Verständnis' itself is derived from the verb 'verstehen' (to understand).
Sein Verhalten war für mich der reinste Ausdruck von Unverständnis.
His behavior was, to me, the purest expression of incomprehension.
A very common fixed expression is 'auf Unverständnis stoßen' (to be met with lack of understanding). It means that an action or statement is not understood or accepted by others.
Sein Vorschlag, die Kantine zu schließen, stieß bei den Mitarbeitern auf großes Unverständnis.
His proposal to close the cafeteria was met with great lack of understanding among the employees.
You can actively express or show your 'Unverständnis' (lack of understanding). The preposition 'für' (for) is often used to say what one does not understand.
Sie äußerte ihr Unverständnis für seine Entscheidung.
She expressed her lack of understanding for his decision.
misunderstanding
A Missverständnis (misunderstanding) occurs when a statement or action is understood differently from how it was intended. Unverständnis, by contrast, means that someone cannot or will not understand a statement, motive, or situation. Use Missverständnis for a specific incorrect interpretation; otherwise, Unverständnis is usually the better choice.
Für Annas Unverständnis über den neuen Plan fand der Chef keine Erklärung.
The boss could not explain why Anna did not understand the new plan.
Wegen eines Missverständnisses glaubte Anna, dass der Termin heute stattfindet.
Because of a misunderstanding, Anna thought the appointment was today.
