unentschlossen
[ˈʊnʔɛntˌʃlɔsn̩]
The English word indecisive is translated into German as unentschlossen or unschlüssig.
Meaning: not decisive (adj)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| unentschlossen | [ˈʊnʔɛntˌʃlɔsn̩] (narrow) |
| unschlüssig | /ˈʊnˌʃlʏsɪç/ |
The noun form describing the state of being indecisive is die Unentschlossenheit. In a colloquial setting, if you want to express that you are torn between multiple options, you can use the phrase hin und her gerissen.
Which one should you use?
unentschlossen is the most common way to describe a person's general character trait of being indecisive or a temporary state of being undecided. In contrast, unschlüssig often carries a nuance of being hesitant or uncertain during a specific moment of thought.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, unentschlossen follows standard German adjective declension rules based on the gender, number and case of the noun it modifies.
Did you know?
- The root of unentschlossen is the verb schließen, which means 'to close'. In the German mindset, making a final decision is conceptually similar to closing a door on all other possibilities.
- While unentschlossen describes a person, unschlüssig is frequently used in German courts to describe a piece of evidence as 'inconclusive'. In this legal context, it refers to a lack of proof rather than a person's mood.
- The phrase hin und her gerissen describes a state of indecision by using the verb reißen, meaning 'to tear'. This suggests that being undecided is not just a mental state but a violent physical sensation of being ripped apart.
Examples in context
- Tom ist zu unentschlossen.Tom is too indecisive.This sentence uses unentschlossen to describe a person's level of indecisiveness.Tatoeba #10041291 by wolfgangth, translation #4494565 by CK
- Normalerweise bin ich nicht so unentschlossen.I'm usually not this indecisive.This sentence uses unentschlossen to describe a personal state of being indecisive.Tatoeba #3354811 by brauchinet, translation #3354462 by CK
- Früher war ich sehr unentschlossen, jetzt aber nicht mehr.I used to be very indecisive, but I'm not anymore.This sentence uses unentschlossen to describe a change in a person's indecisiveness over time.Tatoeba #10474778 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #10473113 by DJ_Saidez
- Der Kunde war unentschlossen, welchen Artikel er kaufen sollte.The customer was indecisive about which item to buy.
- Angesichts des Risikos war er unsicher, welche Entscheidung er treffen sollte.Given the risk, he was unsure about which decision to make.
- Er war zögerlich und konnte nicht sofort sagen, welches Restaurant er bevorzugte.He was hesitant and couldn't immediately say which restaurant he preferred.
- Sie wirkte unschlüssig und konnte sich nicht zwischen den beiden Optionen entscheiden.She seemed undecided and couldn't choose between the two options.
- Er war hin und her gerissen bezüglich seines nächsten Karriereschritts.He was torn regarding his next career move.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hannah and Maximilian are trying to choose a restaurant.
- HannahBist du gerade so unentschlossen?Are you being so indecisive right now?
- MaximilianJa, ich kann mich einfach nicht entscheiden.Yes, I simply cannot decide.
- HannahDann wählen wir einfach die Pizzeria.Then we will just choose the pizzeria.
- MaximilianDas ist eine gute Idee, Hannah.That is a good idea, Hannah.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “indecisive” translations and entries unentschlossen, unschlüssig, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
