incident
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incident
A sudden, usually unexpected and often negative or noteworthy event or occurrence.
Nach dem Vorfall in der Kantine wurde eine Untersuchung eingeleitet.
After the incident in the cafeteria, an investigation was launched.
'Der Vorfall' (incident) is derived from the separable verb 'vorfallen', which means 'geschehen' (to happen) or 'passieren' (to occur). It is made up of 'vor' and 'Fall' and literally describes something that 'falls down in front of' someone or happens.
Es ist gestern Abend etwas Seltsames vorgefallen.
Something strange happened yesterday evening.
The word 'Vorfall' (incident) often has an official or serious tone. It is frequently used in news reports, police reports, or formal notices to describe a noteworthy, usually negative event.
Die Polizei untersucht den Vorfall vom Wochenende.
The police are investigating the incident from the weekend.
Common adjectives combined with 'Vorfall' (incident) are 'ernst' (serious), 'unangenehm' (unpleasant), 'seltsam' (strange), or 'bedauerlich' (regrettable). Typical verbs are 'einen Vorfall melden' (to report an incident), 'untersuchen' (to investigate), or 'aufklären' (to clarify/solve).
Es gab einen ernsten Vorfall an der Grenze.
There was a serious incident at the border.
case / fall
Der Fall and der Vorfall can refer to the same event when the police are investigating it. Der Vorfall refers to what actually happened, usually a negative event; der Fall presents it as a matter under investigation or on record. „Vorfall“ fits the event itself, while „Fall“ is more appropriate for the investigation.
Der Vorfall ereignete sich gestern Abend vor dem Bahnhof.
The incident occurred yesterday evening in front of the train station.
Die Polizei untersucht den Fall und befragt dazu mehrere Zeugen.
The police are investigating the case and questioning several witnesses.
