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
Both words refer to an unexpected negative event. „Unfall“ requires an unintended event involving damage, injury, or death, whereas „Zwischenfall“ can also refer to another disruptive situation without such harm. Use „Unfall“ when someone or something is harmed, and „Zwischenfall“ for a general disruption.
Der Zwischenfall im Zug störte die Fahrt, aber niemand wurde verletzt.
The incident on the train disrupted the journey, but no one was injured.
Der Unfall auf der Baustelle führte zu einer Verletzung.
The accident at the construction site resulted in an injury.
