absichtlich
/ˈapzɪçtlɪç/
The English phrase 'deliberately' is translated into German as absichtlich. Wiktionary also lists mit Absicht.
Meaning: intentionally (adv)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| absichtlich | /ˈapzɪçtlɪç/ /ˈapsɪçtlɪç/ |
| mit Absicht | /mɪt ˈapzɪçt/ (word by word) |
Both absichtlich and mit Absicht are used to describe actions performed intentionally or on purpose.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase mit Absicht is a prepositional phrase meaning 'with intention', where mit means 'with' and Absicht means 'intention'.
Which one should you use?
While the two forms are often interchangeable, absichtlich is a single adverb, whereas mit Absicht is a prepositional phrase.
How does it change in a sentence?
In this context, absichtlich is an adjective being used as an adverb.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈapzɪçtlɪç/
Did you know?
- The noun Absicht is rooted in the verb absehen, which literally means 'to look away' or 'to look off'.
- While absichtlich describes an intentional act, the word vorsätzlich is often used in legal contexts to describe a deliberate act with a higher degree of malice or premeditation.
- In German, if you act 'deliberately' to cause harm, you might be described as gezielt, which literally means 'aimed' or 'targeted'.
Examples in context
- Er hat absichtlich gelogen.He has deliberately lied.The example is useful for seeing how to use absichtlich.Tatoeba #836644 by Manfredo, translation #4877587 by jshholland
- Sie hat das mit Absicht getan.She did that deliberately.The example is useful for seeing how to use mit Absicht.Tatoeba #12722919 by Waldelfe, translation #11439391 by Agestur
- Das haben wir mit Absicht gemacht.We did it deliberately.Tatoeba #2340343 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #12223666 by sundown
- Er hat diese Entscheidung bewusst getroffen.He made this decision deliberately.
- Sie hat sich bewusst dafür entschieden, den Vortrag zu halten.She deliberately chose to give the presentation.
- Er hat das absichtlich gemacht, um sie zu ärgern.He did it deliberately to annoy her.
- Sie hat das absichtlich vergessen, um sich zu rächen.She deliberately forgot about it to seek revenge.
- Er hat das vorsätzlich getan, obwohl er wusste, dass es falsch war.He did it deliberately, even though he knew it was wrong.
- 31 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura and Maximilian are talking about a broken vase.
- LauraHast du die Vase absichtlich umgestoßen?Did you knock over the vase deliberately?
- MaximilianNein, das war ein Versehen!No, that was an accident!
- LauraIch glaube nicht, dass das ein Zufall war.I don't believe that was a coincidence.
- MaximilianIch schwöre, ich habe es nicht absichtlich gemacht.I swear, I didn't do it deliberately.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “deliberately” translations and entries absichtlich, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (mit, Absicht) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Absicht, absichtlich, mit, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
