nutzlos
/ˈnʊtsloːs/
The English word useless is translated into German as nutzlos. Wiktionary also lists unnützlich and unnütz.
Meaning: without use or possibility to be used (adj)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| nutzlos | /ˈnʊtsloːs/ |
| unnützlich | |
| unnütz | /ˈʊnˌnʏt͡s/ |
| sinnlos | /ˈzɪnloːs/ |
The term describes something that is without use or the possibility of being used. When applied to a person, calling someone nutzlos is a strong personal insult, implying that they contribute nothing to a task or to society. You can intensify the meaning by adding the adverb völlig (totally) or komplett (completely) before the word.
What does it mean word for word?
The word nutzlos is composed of the noun Nutzen (use or benefit) and the suffix -los (without).
Which one should you use?
While nutzlos refers specifically to a lack of practical utility, the related form sinnlos refers to a lack of meaning or purpose (senseless or pointless). Other forms include unnützlich and unnütz, which also convey lack of utility.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈnʊtsloːs/
Did you know?
- In German, the word Sinn in sinnlos refers to both 'meaning' and the 'physical senses' like sight and smell.
- The term sinnlos is frequently used in German sports commentary to describe a 'pointless' goal or a 'senseless' mistake during a match.
- The word unnütz is inherited from the Old High German unnuzzi.
Examples in context
- Mein Mann ist nutzlos.My husband is useless.This sentence demonstrates the use of nutzlos to describe a person.Tatoeba #10589444 by Yorwba, translation #1660076 by fanty
- Du bist völlig nutzlos.You're totally useless.This sentence shows how the adverb völlig can be used to intensify nutzlos.Tatoeba #6482522 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2955072 by CK
- Männer sind so nutzlos!Men are so useless.This sentence uses nutzlos to describe a group of people.Tatoeba #6982470 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #3836045 by Hybrid
- Die alte Maschine ist nutzlos.The old machine is useless.
- Der Streit war völlig sinnlos.The argument was completely useless.
- Der alte Laptop ist unbrauchbar geworden.The old laptop has become useless.
- Das war völlig nutzlos.That was totally useless.
- Der total nutzlose Gegenstand liegt einfach herum.The utterly useless object is just lying around.
- Die neue App ist nutzlos.The new app is useless.
- 58 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felix and Hannah are looking at a broken kitchen tool.
- FelixDieses Werkzeug ist völlig nutzlos.This tool is completely useless.
- HannahKannst du es nicht reparieren?Can't you repair it?
- FelixNein, es ist leider nutzlos.No, it is useless, unfortunately.
- HannahDas ist wirklich ärgerlich.That is really annoying.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “useless” translations and entries nutzlos, unnütz, sinnlos, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sinnlos, unnütz, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
