Fehler
/ˈfeːlɐ/masculine
The English word 'mistake' is translated into German as Fehler.
Fehler is used to refer to an error or a mistake. Common expressions include einen Fehler machen (to make a mistake) and aus Fehlern lernen (to learn from mistakes).
Meaning: error (noun)
Which one should you use?
While Fehler refers to a mistake or a technical error, Irrtum is used for a misconception or a mistake in judgment/belief.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Fehler is a masculine noun. The plural form is the same as the singular form, Fehler. When used as the direct object of a sentence, the masculine noun takes the accusative form einen Fehler.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈfeːlɐ/
Did you know?
- If a mistake is particularly egregious or criminal, Germans might use the verb begehen instead of the standard machen.
- While Fehler is common, Germans use the word Schnitzer to describe a particularly clumsy or embarrassing mistake, similar to a 'blunder'.
- The word Fehler is a direct relative of the English verb 'fail'.
Examples in context
- Es war Ihr Fehler.It was your mistake.This sentence is useful for identifying whose mistake it was using Fehler.Tatoeba #12398704 by mayabe, translation #2647662 by CK
- Das ist ein Fehler.This is a mistake.This sentence is useful for pointing out a mistake using Fehler.Tatoeba #1791679 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1780067 by Spamster
- Das war ein Fehler.It was a mistake.This sentence is useful for describing a past mistake using Fehler.Tatoeba #2098537 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1548104 by Spamster
- Entschuldigen Sie bitte den FehlerI apologize for the mistake.
- Der Fehler lag bei mirThe mistake was mine.
- Es tut mir leid für den IrrtumI'm sorry for the mistake.
- Das war ein bedauerlicher IrrtumThat was a regrettable mistake.
- Ich habe ein kleines Fehlerchen gemachtI made a small mistake.
- Mach dir keine Sorgen wegen diesem FehlerchenDon't worry about this little mistake.
- Entschuldige bitte den PatzerSorry for the mistake.
- Das war ein dummer Patzer meinerseitsThat was a stupid mistake on my part.
- Da ist mir ein kleiner Schnitzer unterlaufenI made a small mistake there.
- 708 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julian is apologizing for a calculation error at work.
- HannahJulian, hast du den Bericht korrigiert?Julian, did you correct the report?
- JulianJa, da war ein kleiner Fehler.Yes, there was a small mistake.
- HannahIst der Fehler jetzt behoben?Is the error fixed now?
- JulianJa, alles ist jetzt korrekt.Yes, everything is correct now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mistake” translations and entries Fehler, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Fehler, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
