verunglückt
injured in an accident
Describing the state of having suffered an accident, often resulting in injury or death.
EXAMPLE
Der verunglückte Bergsteiger wurde mit dem Helikopter gerettet.
The injured mountaineer was rescued by helicopter.
verunglückt
injured in an accident / botched
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Meanings
verunglückt
botched
Used figuratively for something that has failed, been done badly, or gone wrong.
EXAMPLE
Sein Versuch, einen Witz zu machen, war ziemlich verunglückt und niemand lachte.
His attempt to make a joke was pretty botched, and no one laughed.
Usage tips
Participle as adjective
'Verunglückt' (injured in an accident / botched) is the past participle of the verb 'verunglücken' (to have an accident). It is used as an adjective to describe a person, a vehicle, or also a thing that is the result of an accident or a failure.
EXAMPLE
Das verunglückte Schiff sank innerhalb weniger Minuten.
The wrecked ship sank within a few minutes.
Attributive use
In the literal meaning, 'verunglückt' (injured in an accident) usually stands directly before a noun. It then describes the person or vehicle that had the accident: 'der verunglückte Fahrer' (the driver injured in the accident), 'das verunglückte Auto' (the car involved in the accident).
EXAMPLE
Die Rettungskräfte kümmerten sich um die verunglückten Passagiere.
The rescue workers took care of the injured passengers.
Context clue
You can recognize the figurative meaning 'misslungen' (failed / unsuccessful) when the word does not refer to a real accident involving people or vehicles. Instead, it describes abstract things such as a joke, an attempt, a formulation, or an evening.
EXAMPLE
Seine Entschuldigung klang verunglückt und unehrlich.
His apology sounded botched and insincere.
Compare with
verunglückt vs missglückt
failed / unsuccessful
Both adjectives can describe a plan or result as unsuccessful. „Missglückt“ directly indicates that the execution or attempt was not successful. In this figurative use, „verunglückt“ sounds more strongly judgmental and often more vivid. Use „missglückt“ in an objective context and „verunglückt“ when the poor design is particularly noticeable.
verunglückt
Die neue Werbekampagne wirkt wegen ihrer widersprüchlichen Bilder völlig verunglückt.
The new advertising campaign seems completely botched because of its contradictory images.
missglückt
Der erste Versuch, die Werbekampagne zu erklären, ist missglückt.
The first attempt to explain the advertising campaign was unsuccessful.
In real life
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