Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| unangemessen | /ˈʊnʔanɡəˌmɛsn̩/ |
| unangebracht | [ˈʊnanɡəˌbʁaχt] (narrow) |
| unpassend |
These words are used to describe things that are not suitable or appropriate for a given situation. The choice between them depends on whether you are describing a physical fit, a social comment or a disproportionate amount or behavior.
What does it mean word for word?
The word unangemessen is composed of the prefix un- (not) and angemessen (appropriate or fitting).
Which one should you use?
unangemessen often refers to behavior or amounts that are disproportionate or socially unsuitable. In contrast, unpassend is more frequently used to describe things that are physically or contextually ill-fitting, such as clothing or a specific timing. unangebracht is often used specifically for remarks, jokes or comments that are considered out of place or socially tactless.
How does it change in a sentence?
To use unangemessen as a noun meaning 'something inappropriate', you must capitalize it and add the neuter adjective ending to form Unangemessenes.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʊnʔanɡəˌmɛsn̩/
Did you know?
- German has a specific term unzeitgemäß for something that is inappropriate specifically because it is outdated or out of step with the current era.
- The word angemessen shares a root with the German verb messen meaning 'to measure'. To be 'appropriate' in German is literally to be 'measured' to the right scale.
- If someone says a joke is unangebracht, they are describing a failure of Taktgefühl, a German word that literally translates to 'tact-feeling'.
Examples in context
- Das ist völlig unpassend.That's totally inappropriate.This sentence is useful for expressing that something is totally inappropriate using unpassend.Tatoeba #2257740 by freddy1, translation #2257421 by CK
- Du tust etwas Unangemessenes.You are doing something inappropriate.This sentence is useful for saying someone is doing something inappropriate using unangemessen.Tatoeba #12544814 by Waldelfe, translation #5131411 by honestlang
- Das ist ziemlich unangemessen.This is very inappropriate.This sentence is useful for stating that something is quite inappropriate using unangemessen.Tatoeba #8887389 by wolfgangth, translation #4494092 by CK
- Sein Verhalten war unangemessenHis behavior was inappropriate
- Seine Bemerkungen waren nicht passendHis remarks were not suitable
- Sein Witz war einfach nur anstößigHis joke was just plain offensive
- Sein Verhalten war einfach nur geschmacklosHis behavior was just tasteless
- Seine Bemerkungen waren einfach nur pietätlosHis remarks were simply disrespectful
- 22 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hannah and Julian are discussing a coworker's behavior at a meeting.
- HannahHast du gesehen, wie er reagiert hat?Did you see how he reacted?
- JulianJa, sein Ton war wirklich unangemessen.Yes, his tone was really inappropriate.
- HannahIch finde es auch sehr unhöflich.I think it is also very rude.
- JulianWir sollten darüber mit dem Chef sprechen.We should speak to the boss about it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “inappropriate” translations and entries unangemessen, unangebracht, unpassend, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
