Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| vernachlässigen | /fɛʁˈnaːχlɛsiɡən/ |
| verabsäumen | |
| versäumen | [fɛʁˈzɔʏmən] (narrow) |
| missachten | /mɪsˈʔaχtən/ |
| unterlassen | /ˌʊntəʁˈlasən/ |
| verwahrlosen lassen |
German uses different verbs to express the various nuances of 'neglect'. You use vernachlässigen for general neglect of duties, people or objects like a garden or a child. If you are talking about failing to take care of something until it falls into physical decay or dishevelment, such as a building or a person's appearance, use verwahrlosen lassen. To describe the act of neglecting or disregarding rules, laws or an opinion, use missachten. If the neglect refers specifically to missing an opportunity, an appointment or a deadline, use versäumen. When describing a failure to perform a required action, especially in a formal sense, use unterlassen.
What does it mean word for word?
The noun Vernachlässigung is derived from the verb vernachlässigen and describes the act of neglect. The noun Nachlässigkeit refers to a habitual lack of care.
Which one should you use?
vernachlässigen is the general term for neglecting duties, people or objects. In contrast, versäumen is used specifically for neglecting an opportunity, an appointment or a deadline. missachten is used when one neglects or disregards rules, laws or someone's opinion. unterlassen is used in formal or legal contexts to describe the failure to perform a required action. Finally, verwahrlosen lassen is used when neglect leads to a state of physical decay or dishevelment.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The past participle of vernachlässigen is vernachlässigt.
How do you pronounce it?
/fɛʁˈnaːχlɛsiɡən/
Did you know?
- The verb versäumen is used for missing a train or a bus, whereas in English 'neglect' would never be used in this context.
- In German legal contexts, unterlassen is a precise term for a 'crime of omission', where a person is punished for neglecting to act when they had a legal duty to do so.
- The verb missachten combines the prefix 'miss-' with 'achten', which means 'to respect' or 'to heed'. While it translates to 'neglect' in a legal or social sense, its core imagery is the active refusal to give someone or something the respect they are due.
Examples in context
- Wir müssen schweren Herzens einen Besuch unterlassen.With heavy hearts, we must neglect to pay a visit.This sentence illustrates how to use unterlassen to describe a formal decision to neglect an action.
- Die Vernachlässigung von Pflichten kann zu ernsthaften Konsequenzen führen.Neglecting responsibilities can lead to serious consequences.
- Entschuldige, dass ich dich vernachlässigt habe.I apologize for neglecting you.
- Die vernachlässigte Pflanze ist eingegangen.The neglected plant withered.
- Ignoriere nicht die Anweisungen des Lehrers. Das kann zu einer Vernachlässigung der Aufgabe führen.Don't ignore the teacher's instructions. That can lead to neglecting the task.
- Aufgrund ihrer Fahrlässigkeit ist es zu einem Unfall gekommen.Due to her negligence, an accident occurred.
- Du darfst deine Hausaufgaben nicht vernachlässigen.You must not neglect your homework.
Example conversation
Felix and Julia are discussing their shared responsibilities at home.
- FelixWir sollten die Wohnung nicht vernachlässigen.We shouldn't neglect the apartment.
- JuliaStimmt, Felix, es ist sehr unordentlich.True, Felix, it is very messy.
- FelixIch werde meine Aufgaben heute übernehmen.I will take care of my tasks today.
- JuliaDas wäre sehr lieb von dir.That would be very kind of you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “neglect” translations and entries vernachlässigen, versäumen, missachten, unterlassen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
