incident
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incident
An unexpected event, usually disruptive or negative.
Auf dem Flug gab es einen kleinen technischen Zwischenfall, der aber schnell behoben werden konnte.
There was a small technical incident on the flight, but it was quickly resolved.
The word consists of 'zwischen' (between) and 'Fall' (case/event). So it literally describes a 'case' or event that happens 'between' the normal course of something and disrupts it.
Die Konferenz verlief bis auf einen kleinen technischen Zwischenfall reibungslos.
The conference ran smoothly except for a small technical incident.
Common phrases are 'es kam zu einem Zwischenfall' (an incident occurred), 'ein kleiner/ernster Zwischenfall' (a minor/serious incident), or that something proceeds 'ohne besondere Zwischenfälle' (without any particular incidents).
Bei der Demonstration kam es zu mehreren Zwischenfällen.
Several incidents occurred during the demonstration.
'Zwischenfall' (incident) often sounds official, as in news reports or written reports. It is sometimes used to present a negative event in a slightly less dramatic way.
Die Fluggesellschaft entschuldigte sich für den Zwischenfall an Bord.
The airline apologized for the incident on board.
accident
'Unfall' and 'Zwischenfall' both describe something unexpected and negative. 'Unfall' is more concrete: there is damage or an injury, for example in traffic or during training. 'Zwischenfall' more often means a disruption in a process, at an event, on a trip, or during an inspection. No one has to be injured. Learners may confuse the words because an accident can also be an incident. If the damage or injury is important, you say 'Unfall'. If the disruption or problem in the process is important, you say 'Zwischenfall'.
Am Wochenende gab es bei der Kontrolle einen Zwischenfall, aber niemand wurde verletzt.
There was an incident during the inspection at the weekend, but no one was injured.
Beim Training gab es einen Unfall, und Tom musste ins Krankenhaus.
There was an accident during training, and Tom had to go to the hospital.