untrue
Loading your saved state.
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.
correct / right
'richtig' and 'unwahr' are opposites when it comes to statements and information. 'richtig' means that something corresponds to the truth. 'unwahr' means that a statement does not correspond to the truth. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with truth. The important point is: 'unwahr' is used mainly for statements, claims, or information, and it sounds rather formal. 'richtig' is much more general and also fits answers, solutions, or details.
Die Behauptung über den Unfall ist unwahr.
The claim about the accident is untrue.
Die Adresse auf dem Formular ist richtig.
The address on the form is correct.