How to Say “Inconvenience” in German

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Unannehmlichkeit
/ˈʊnʔanˌneːmlɪçkaɪ̯t/feminine
The German word for "inconvenience" is Unannehmlichkeit.
Unannehmlichkeit refers to something that is inconvenient or causing discomfort. In professional settings, you will often see it used in the phrase Unannehmlichkeiten bereiten, which means "to cause inconveniences" or to cause someone trouble.
Meaning: something inconvenient or bothering (noun)

What does it mean word for word?

The noun Unannehmlichkeit is built from the prefix un- (not), the root annehm- (from annehmen, meaning to accept or take) and the suffix -lichkeit (which creates a noun representing a quality).

Which one should you use?

While Unannehmlichkeit focuses on discomfort, the word Störung can also be used to convey a sense of inconvenience, though it primarily refers to a disruption or a disturbance.

Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?

Unannehmlichkeit is a formal term used in professional correspondence and customer service. In casual daily conversation, you might instead use the informal word Blöd, which translates to "stupid" and can describe an inconvenience in a casual way.

Related words

To bother or discomfort (verb): lästig sein, stören, Unannehmlichkeiten bereiten.

How does it change in a sentence?

The plural form of the noun is Unannehmlichkeiten. This plural form is most commonly used in the standard apology phrase Entschuldigung für die Unannehmlichkeiten.

How do you pronounce it?

/ˈʊnʔanˌneːmlɪçkaɪ̯/

Did you know?

  • The phrase Unannehmlichkeiten bereiten literally means 'to prepare inconveniences', though it is used to mean 'to cause trouble'.
  • In professional apologies, Germans almost always use the plural Unannehmlichkeiten even if the customer suffered from only one single problem.
  • The root of Unannehmlichkeit comes from annehmen, which means 'to accept'. Literally, an inconvenience is something that is 'un-acceptable' to experience.

Examples in context

  • Entschuldigung für die Unannehmlichkeiten.
    Sorry for the inconvenience.
    This sentence shows how to say "Sorry for the inconvenience" using the plural form of Unannehmlichkeit.
    Tatoeba #1570310 by Espi, translation #1536257 by wallebot
  • Entschuldigen Sie bitte die Unannehmlichkeiten!
    Excuse us for the inconvenience.
    This sentence demonstrates a formal way to say "Excuse us for the inconvenience" using the plural form of Unannehmlichkeit.
    Tatoeba #1715906 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #22086 by CK
  • Wir entschuldigen uns für die Unannehmlichkeiten.
    We apologize for the inconvenience.
    This sentence is used to express "We apologize for the inconvenience" using the plural form of Unannehmlichkeit.
    Tatoeba #1323860 by samueldora, translation #1147226 by CM
  • Es tut mir leid für die Störung
    I am sorry for the inconvenience
  • Es ist echt blöd, dass ich meinen Schlüssel verloren habe
    It's really inconvenient that I lost my keys
  • Die ständigen Baustellen in der Stadt sind echt nervig
    The constant construction sites in the city are really inconvenient
  • Entschuldigen Sie bitte die Unannehmlichkeiten. Der Aufzug ist vorübergehend außer Betrieb.
    Please excuse the inconveniences. The elevator is temporarily out of service.
  • 10 more sentences on Tatoeba

Example conversation

Maximilian is apologizing to Laura for a scheduling mistake.

  1. Maximilian

    Es tut mir leid für diese Unannehmlichkeit.
    I am sorry for this inconvenience.
  2. Laura

    Das ist kein Problem, Maximilian.
    That is no problem, Maximilian.
  3. Maximilian

    Ich wollte keine Unannehmlichkeit verursachen.
    I did not want to cause an inconvenience.
  4. Laura

    Mach dir keine Sorgen, Laura versteht das.
    Don't worry, Laura understands that.

Sources

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Rebekah Maddison
Rebekah MaddisonHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
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