das Vorkommnis
incident
An event or occurrence that is usually unexpected, unusual, or also disruptive.
EXAMPLE
Die Polizei untersucht das seltsame Vorkommnis von letzter Nacht.
The police are investigating the strange incident from last night.
das Vorkommnis
incident
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word family
The noun 'das Vorkommnis' (incident) is derived directly from the verb 'vorkommen' (to occur or happen). The ending '-nis' turns the verb into a noun that refers to a single event.
EXAMPLE
Es kommt selten vor, dass der Strom ausfällt.
It rarely happens that the power goes out.
Register and style
'Vorkommnis' (incident) is often used for unexpected, disruptive, or reportable events. It is typical of the language used by the police, insurance companies, or in news reports.
EXAMPLE
Es gab keine besonderen Vorkommnisse während der Veranstaltung.
There were no special incidents during the event.
Typical adjectives
Common adjectives used with 'Vorkommnis' (incident) emphasize the unusual nature of the event: 'ein seltsames Vorkommnis' (a strange incident), 'ein bedauerliches Vorkommnis' (an unfortunate incident), or 'ein einmaliges Vorkommnis' (a one-time incident).
EXAMPLE
Nach dem bedauerlichen Vorkommnis wurden die Sicherheitsregeln verschärft.
After the unfortunate incident, the safety rules were tightened.
Compare with
Vorkommnis vs Ereignis
event
An event and an occurrence can refer to something that happens unexpectedly. “Ereignis” is the neutral expression and does not have to describe something unusual or disruptive, while “Vorkommnis” often carries these connotations. Use “Vorkommnis” when what happened was noticeable or potentially disruptive.
Vorkommnis
Die kurzfristige Änderung war ein ungewöhnliches Vorkommnis im Ablauf der Veranstaltung.
The last-minute change was an unusual occurrence during the proceedings.
Ereignis
Die kurzfristige Änderung war ein wichtiges Ereignis im Ablauf der Veranstaltung.
The last-minute change was an important event during the proceedings.
In real life
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