Unfall
/ˈʊnˌfal/masculine
The German word for accident is Unfall.
Unfall refers to an unexpected event that results in negative consequences.
Meaning: unexpected event with negative consequences (noun)
Which one should you use?
While Unfall is the standard term, you might use Zwischenfall to refer to an incident or accident in more formal settings. In informal contexts, specifically when discussing mechanical breakdowns, malfunctions or minor mishaps, the word Panne may be used.
How does it change in a sentence?
Unfall is a masculine noun. Its plural form is Unfälle. When Unfall is the direct object of a sentence (the accusative case), it takes the ending -en, such as in the phrase einen Unfall.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʊnˌfal/
Did you know?
- The prefix un- in Unfall does not mean 'not' as it does in English, but rather carries the older meaning of 'bad' or 'grave'.
- A 'fender bender' is often called a Blechschaden in German. This translates literally to 'sheet metal damage', focusing on the material rather than the event.
- In German, the word for 'accident' in a medical context, such as a 'stroke', is Schlaganfall. It combines Schlag meaning 'hit' and Anfall meaning 'attack'.
Examples in context
- Es war ein Unfall.It was an accident.This sentence is useful for stating that something was an accident using Unfall.Tatoeba #1907173 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1897727 by CK
- Es war kein Unfall.It wasn't an accident.Tatoeba #1676802 by al_ex_an_der, translation #1676693 by Spamster
- Dies war kein Unfall.This was no accident.This sentence is useful for stating that a specific event was no accident using Unfall.Tatoeba #5400386 by Sherinni, translation #5398450 by CK
- Ich hatte heute Morgen einen Autounfall auf dem Weg zur Arbeit.I had a car accident on my way to work this morning.
- Können Sie mir den genauen Unfallhergang schildern?Can you describe the exact sequence of events of the accident?
- Es tut mir leid, dass ich deinen Teller heruntergeworfen habe. Es war ein Missgeschick.I'm sorry I dropped your plate. It was an accident.
- 619 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felix and Laura are talking about why Felix is late to work.
- FelixIch komme spät wegen einem Unfall auf der Autobahn.I am late because of an accident on the highway.
- LauraOh nein, war es ein schlimmer Unfall?Oh no, was it a bad accident?
- FelixJa, es gab einen großen Stau.Yes, there was a huge traffic jam.
- LauraHauptsache, dir ist nichts passiert, Felix.The main thing is that nothing happened to you, Felix.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “accident” translations and entries Unfall, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Unfall, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
