01
zweifelhaft
doubtful
Something that is uncertain or questionable and raises doubts about its correctness, quality, or authenticity.
example
Der Erfolg dieser Methode ist mehr als zweifelhaft.
The success of this method is more than doubtful.
zweifelhaft
doubtful / dubious
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
The adjective 'zweifelhaft' (doubtful/dubious) is derived from the noun 'der Zweifel' (doubt). The ending '-haft' means something like 'full of' or 'characterized by'. Something that is zweifelhaft is therefore 'full of doubt'.
EXAMPLE
Seine Erklärung klang für mich sehr zweifelhaft.
His explanation sounded very doubtful to me.
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'unsicher' (uncertain) or 'fraglich' (questionable), 'zweifelhaft' (doubtful) is often used with abstract nouns. Typical combinations are 'ein zweifelhaftes Ergebnis' (a doubtful result), 'eine zweifelhafte Methode' (a dubious/doubtful method), or 'ein zweifelhafter Ruhm' (dubious fame).
EXAMPLE
Ob das wirklich eine gute Idee ist, bleibt zweifelhaft.
Whether that is really a good idea remains doubtful.
Typical collocations
When a person or their behavior is described as morally questionable, typical combinations are 'ein zweifelhafter Charakter' (a dubious character), 'zweifelhafte Geschäfte' (dubious business dealings), or 'eine zweifelhafte Gestalt' (a shady figure).
EXAMPLE
Die Polizei beobachtet den Mann wegen seiner zweifelhaften Kontakte.
The police are watching the man because of his dubious contacts.
Compare with
zweifelhaft vs sicher
sure / safe
'sicher' and 'zweifelhaft' are often opposites when it comes to truth, quality, or trust. 'sicher' means that you have no doubt or that something is reliable. 'zweifelhaft' means that you cannot be sure or that something seems questionable. This can refer to a piece of information, a result, or even a person's behavior. 'sicher' fits when something is clear or trustworthy. 'zweifelhaft' fits when doubts remain.
zweifelhaft
Die Erklärung des Verkäufers klingt für meine Nachbarin zweifelhaft.
The seller's explanation sounds doubtful to my neighbor.
sicher
Jonas ist sicher, dass der Termin am Montag stattfindet.
Jonas is sure that the appointment is taking place on Monday.
In real life
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