01
versehentlich
accidentally
By mistake, without intention, or happening unintentionally.
example
Ich habe dir versehentlich die falsche Datei geschickt.
I accidentally sent you the wrong file.
versehentlich
accidentally
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
Usage tips
Word structure
'Versehentlich' (accidentally) is derived from the noun 'das Versehen' (mistake or error). The ending '-lich' turns it into an adverb that describes how an action happens.
EXAMPLE
Das war ein Versehen, es tut mir leid.
That was a mistake; I'm sorry.
Sentence position
As an adverb, 'versehentlich' (accidentally) can stand flexibly in the sentence. It often appears directly before the part it modifies, or at the beginning of the sentence for emphasis (then the verb follows in position 2).
EXAMPLE
Er hat die E-Mail versehentlich gelöscht.
He accidentally deleted the email.
Typical collocations
'Versehentlich' (accidentally) is often combined with everyday mistakes, especially in the digital realm. Typical phrases are: 'versehentlich löschen' (to accidentally delete), 'versehentlich anrufen' (to accidentally call), or 'versehentlich etwas Falsches bestellen' (to accidentally order the wrong thing).
EXAMPLE
Ich habe dich gestern Abend versehentlich angerufen, als mein Handy in der Tasche war.
I accidentally called you last night when my phone was in my bag.
Compare with
versehentlich vs bewusst
conscious / deliberate
'bewusst' and 'versehentlich' are opposites here. 'bewusst' means that someone does something deliberately. So the person knows what they are doing and wants it that way. 'versehentlich', on the other hand, means that something happens by mistake, without intention. The difference is especially important when talking about mistakes, damage, or decisions. 'Bewusst' shows responsibility or planning, while 'versehentlich' removes the intention.
versehentlich
Noah hat versehentlich zu viel Geld überwiesen.
Noah accidentally transferred too much money.
bewusst
Sie wählt bewusst den längeren Weg, weil er sicherer ist.
She deliberately chooses the longer route because it is safer.
In real life
Loading video examples...