case of doubt
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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.
case of doubt
A specific situation in which there is uncertainty or doubt about what is correct or how something should be decided.
Das ist ein klarer Zweifelsfall, der juristisch geprüft werden muss.
This is a clear case of doubt that must be examined legally.
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.
