untrue
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untrue
Describes a statement, piece of information, or claim that does not correspond to the truth; false. It is often a more formal or more polite alternative to 'falsch' (false).
Die Behauptung, er habe das Geld gestohlen, ist nachweislich unwahr.
The claim that he stole the money is demonstrably untrue.
The word is made up of the prefix 'un-' and the adjective 'wahr' (true). The prefix 'un-' negates the base word, so 'unwahr' literally means 'not true'.
Seine Entschuldigung klang für mich völlig unwahr.
His apology sounded completely untrue to me.
'Unwahr' belongs to a formal or elevated style of speech. It is often used in official contexts such as with the police, in court, or in the news.
Der Zeuge machte eine unwahre Aussage.
The witness made an untrue statement.
This adjective is often used with nouns that describe communication. Typical combinations are 'unwahre Behauptung' (untrue claim), 'unwahre Geschichte' (untrue story), or 'unwahre Information' (untrue information).
Die Polizei warnte vor unwahren Gerüchten im Internet.
The police warned about untrue rumors on the internet.
wrong / false
For a statement that does not correspond to the truth, both „falsch“ and „unwahr“ are possible. „Falsch“ is more common and direct in everyday speech, while „unwahr“ sounds more formal and often somewhat more polite. Use „falsch“ in normal conversation and „unwahr“ in a factual or cautious formulation.
Die Behauptung, ich hätte den Termin vergessen, ist unwahr.
The claim that I forgot the appointment is untrue.
Die Behauptung, ich hätte den Termin vergessen, ist falsch.
The claim that I forgot the appointment is false.
