01
unwahrscheinlich
unlikely
Not very likely; something whose occurrence or truth one doubts; improbable.
example
Es ist höchst unwahrscheinlich, dass wir im Lotto gewinnen.
It is highly unlikely that we will win the lottery.
unwahrscheinlich
unlikely
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
The word is made up of 'un-' (not), 'wahr' (true), and 'scheinlich' (derived from 'scheinen'—to seem). Something that is 'unwahrscheinlich' (unlikely) therefore 'seems' 'not true' or not plausible.
EXAMPLE
Ein Sieg unserer Mannschaft scheint nach der ersten Halbzeit unwahrscheinlich.
A victory for our team seems unlikely after the first half.
Context clue
The meaning depends strongly on the context. In neutral or formal sentences, it means 'unlikely'. In colloquial speech, especially before a positive adjective, it is used as an intensifier in the sense of 'unglaublich' (incredibly) or 'extrem' (extremely).
EXAMPLE
Ein Lottogewinn ist statistisch sehr unwahrscheinlich.
A lottery win is statistically very unlikely.
Sentence structure with 'dass'
To express low probability, the structure 'Es ist unwahrscheinlich, dass ...' (It is unlikely that ...) is often used. The subordinate clause with 'dass' then describes the event that is unlikely.
EXAMPLE
Es ist unwahrscheinlich, dass er pünktlich kommt.
It is unlikely that he will arrive on time.
Colloquial intensifier
In spoken language, 'unwahrscheinlich' (incredibly) often functions as an intensifier for positive qualities. This use is informal and expresses great amazement or enthusiasm.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe gestern einen unwahrscheinlich lustigen Film gesehen.
Yesterday I saw an incredibly funny film.
Compare with
unwahrscheinlich vs wahrscheinlich
probable / likely
'wahrscheinlich' and 'unwahrscheinlich' are clear opposites. 'wahrscheinlich' is used when you are more likely to expect that something will happen or is true. 'unwahrscheinlich' is used when you doubt it or are less likely to expect it. Both words fit well with guesses about the future or about a situation. What matters here is the normal meaning of 'unwahrscheinlich', not the colloquial intensifier as in 'unwahrscheinlich schön' (incredibly beautiful).
unwahrscheinlich
Ein Sieg ist unwahrscheinlich, weil die Mannschaft viele verletzte Spieler hat.
A victory is unlikely because the team has many injured players.
wahrscheinlich
Mein Bruder kommt wahrscheinlich später, weil sein Zug Verspätung hat.
My brother will probably come later because his train is delayed.
In real life
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