unsicher
/ˈʊnˌzɪçɐ/
The English word unsure is translated into German as unsicher.
To specifically express the internal feeling of being unsure, German speakers often use the reflexive construction sich unsicher fühlen.
Meaning: uncertain (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as an attributive adjective before a feminine or plural noun, it takes an inflectional ending, such as unsichere. For comparisons, the comparative form is unsicherer (more unsure) and the superlative form is am unsichersten (most unsure).
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʊnˌzɪçɐ/
Did you know?
- While unsicher means 'unsure' in a psychological sense, it is also the primary word used to describe a 'dangerous' neighborhood or a 'precarious' physical situation.
- The word sicher is often used as a filler word or a conversational 'yes' in the phrase Sicher!, which functions similarly to 'Sure!' or 'Of course!' in English.
- In German, if you are 'unsicher' about a fact, you might use the word gewiss to describe your certainty instead. While 'unsicher' describes your state of mind, gewiss refers more to the objective nature of the truth itself.
Examples in context
- Tom sieht unsicher aus.Tom looks unsure.This sentence shows how to describe someone's appearance using unsicher.Tatoeba #6618937 by Felixjp, translation #2237343 by CK
- Ich bin mir noch unsicher.I'm still unsure.This sentence uses unsicher to express a current state of uncertainty.Tatoeba #12381175 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #5858436 by CK
- Ist es so einfach, dich unsicher zu machen?Is it this easy to make you unsure?This sentence demonstrates using unsicher as a state of being caused by an action.Tatoeba #5789614 by maaster, translation #5796895 by Herobane
- Herr Schmidt, ich bin mir unsicher, ob ich diese Entscheidung treffen sollte.Mr. Schmidt, I am unsure if I should make this decision.
- Es ist mir nicht klar, welche Option die beste ist.It's not clear to me which option is the best.
- Ich bin nicht sicher, ob wir die Deadline einhalten können.I am not sure if we can meet the deadline.
- Ich bin mir nicht sicher, Mann, ob wir rechtzeitig fertig werden.I'm not sure, man, if we'll finish on time.
- Keine Ahnung, was ich tun soll.No idea what I should do.
- Ich weiß nicht so recht, ob ich mitkommen kann.I'm not sure if I can come along.
- 12 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas and Sarah are discussing whether to go hiking in the mountains.
- LukasBist du dir wegen des Wetters unsicher?Are you unsure about the weather?
- SarahJa, ich bin mir sehr unsicher.Yes, I am very unsure.
- LukasSoll ich den Wetterbericht noch einmal prüfen?Should I check the weather report again?
- SarahDas wäre sehr lieb von dir, Lukas.That would be very kind of you, Lukas.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “unsure” translations and entries unsicher, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
