case of doubt
Loading your saved state.
in case of doubt
A fixed expression meaning 'if one is unsure' or 'if there are doubts.' It introduces a recommended action for an unclear situation.
Im Zweifelsfall sollten Sie immer einen Experten zu Rate ziehen.
In case of doubt, you should always consult an expert.
The word is made up of 'der Zweifel' (doubt) and 'der Fall' (case), connected with a linking -s. So it literally describes a 'case of doubt.'
Bei einem Zweifelsfall entscheidet oft eine kleine Regel.
In a case of doubt, a small rule often decides.
The most common use is the fixed expression 'im Zweifelsfall' (in case of doubt). If this adverbial phrase is placed at the beginning of the sentence, the verb follows directly after it in position 2.
Im Zweifelsfall frage ich lieber noch einmal nach.
In case of doubt, I prefer to ask again.
The general idiom is 'im Zweifelsfall' (in case of doubt). If the word is used instead with an article such as 'ein' (a) or 'dieser' (this), it refers to a concrete, specific case of uncertainty.
Im Zweifelsfall ist es besser, vorsichtig zu sein.
In case of doubt, it is better to be careful.
A concrete 'Zweifelsfall' (case of doubt) is often combined with verbs such as 'klären' (to clarify), 'prüfen' (to examine/check), or 'entscheiden' (to decide). The point is to resolve the uncertainty.
Wir müssen diesen Zweifelsfall schnell klären, bevor wir weitermachen.
We need to clarify this case of doubt quickly before we continue.
doubt
'der Zweifel' and 'der Zweifelsfall' both have to do with uncertainty. 'Zweifel' refers more to the feeling or thought that something may not be right or may not be certain. 'Zweifelsfall' refers to a specific situation in which you are unsure and have to decide what to do. The expression 'im Zweifelsfall' (in case of doubt) is especially common. Learners may confuse the words because they come from the same base word. A practical way to remember it: you have 'Zweifel' (doubts), but 'im Zweifelsfall' you act cautiously or ask for clarification.
Im Zweifelsfall rufst du besser beim Arzt an.
In case of doubt, you'd better call the doctor.
Nach dem Gespräch hatte Anna Zweifel, ob ihre Entscheidung richtig war.
After the conversation, Anna had doubts about whether her decision was right.