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A2 noun #6,000 가장 일반적인 9분 분량

Unfähig

상위 6,000

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁 Unfähig 30초 만에

설명 Unfähig in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should understand 'unfähig' as a way to say 'cannot' or 'not able'. It is the opposite of 'fähig' (capable). Although A1 learners usually use the verb 'können' (can) to express ability, 'unfähig' is an adjective you might see in simple descriptions. For example, if someone says 'Ich bin unfähig zu kochen', they mean 'I cannot cook'. It is a more formal or dramatic way of saying 'Ich kann nicht kochen'. You will mostly see it in the pattern 'Ich bin unfähig, [etwas] zu tun'. At this stage, focus on the simple meaning of not being able to do a basic task. Remember that the 'un-' prefix in German usually means 'not', just like in English 'un-'. So, 'unfähig' is 'un-capable'. This makes the word relatively easy to remember for English speakers. You might hear it in very simple stories or when someone is expressing frustration about a simple skill they lack, like using a computer or driving a car. However, at A1, it's better to stick to 'können' in your own speaking, but recognize 'unfähig' when you read it.

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At the A2 level, you begin to use 'unfähig' to describe more specific situations and personal traits. You should be able to form sentences using the 'zu + infinitive' structure, such as 'Er ist unfähig, die Tür zu öffnen'. This is a common way to describe physical or mental obstacles. You will also learn that 'unfähig' can be used with the preposition 'zu' and a noun, like 'unfähig zur Arbeit' (unable to work). This is very common in the context of health and doctors' notes. At A2, you should also understand that 'unfähig' is a bit stronger and more negative than just saying 'nicht können'. If you call someone 'unfähig', it sounds like a permanent problem with their skills. You will encounter this word in news snippets or workplace descriptions. It's important to start noticing how the word changes its ending when it comes before a noun, for example, 'ein unfähiger Mann' (an incapable man). This level requires you to move beyond simple verbs and start using adjectives to describe people's characteristics more deeply.

At the B1 level, 'unfähig' becomes a key word for discussing professional life and social issues. You will use it to express opinions about competence. For example, 'Ich finde den Manager unfähig'. You should be comfortable using it in both formal and informal contexts. In B1, you will also learn about the noun form 'die Unfähigkeit' (the inability/incompetence). This allows you to discuss abstract concepts, like 'die Unfähigkeit der Politik' (the inability of politics). You will also encounter more complex sentence structures, such as using 'unfähig' in subordinate clauses: 'Weil er unfähig war, das Problem zu lösen, wurde er entlassen'. You should also start to distinguish 'unfähig' from synonyms like 'hilflos' (helpless) or 'machtlos' (powerless). B1 learners are expected to understand the nuance that 'unfähig' implies a lack of skill, whereas 'machtlos' implies a lack of authority. This distinction is crucial for accurate communication in a German-speaking environment, especially when discussing why a certain goal was not achieved.

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At the B2 level, you will encounter 'unfähig' in specialized contexts such as law, psychology, and advanced social commentary. You should understand terms like 'verhandlungsunfähig' (unfit to stand trial) or 'erwerbsunfähig' (incapable of earning a living). These are compound words where 'unfähig' is the suffix. At this level, you are expected to use the word to provide detailed critiques and arguments. For example, you might analyze a character in a book as being 'emotional unfähig' (emotionally incapable). You will also learn to use 'unfähig' with more abstract nouns in dative constructions, like 'unfähig zur Selbstreflexion' (incapable of self-reflection). Your understanding of the word should include its rhetorical weight; calling a public figure 'unfähig' is a strong statement that requires justification. You should also be able to recognize the difference between 'unfähig' and 'inkompetent', noting that 'inkompetent' is often more focused on professional knowledge while 'unfähig' can be more general or personal. B2 learners should also be able to use the word in the passive voice or complex modal constructions, like 'Er scheint völlig unfähig zu sein'.

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At the C1 level, you should have a nuanced command of 'unfähig' and its various shades of meaning. You will use it in academic and literary analyses to describe systemic failures or complex character flaws. You should be able to discuss the philosophical implications of being 'unfähig', such as the 'Unfähigkeit zu trauern' (inability to mourn), a famous concept in German post-war psychology. At this level, you should also be familiar with rare and sophisticated synonyms like 'disqualifiziert', 'unzulänglich', or 'untauglich', and know exactly when to use 'unfähig' instead of them. You should be able to write complex essays where you evaluate the 'Unfähigkeit' of institutions to adapt to change. Your use of the word should be precise, reflecting an understanding of its legal, psychological, and social connotations. You will also encounter 'unfähig' in historical texts or classical literature, where it might describe a king's inability to rule. C1 learners are expected to use the word with stylistic confidence, incorporating it into sophisticated sentence structures that include participial phrases or extended adjective attributes.

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At the C2 level, you have reached a near-native understanding of 'unfähig'. You can use the word with absolute precision in any context, from high-level legal briefs to poetic descriptions. You understand the deep etymological roots of the word and how it has evolved in the German language. You can engage in complex debates about 'Schuldunfähigkeit' (lack of criminal responsibility) in the German legal system, understanding the fine lines between medical diagnosis and legal status. You are also able to appreciate and use the word in ironic or metaphorical ways, such as 'die Unfähigkeit der Sprache, Gefühle auszudrücken' (the inability of language to express feelings). At this level, you can effortlessly switch between 'unfähig' and its most obscure synonyms to achieve specific rhetorical effects. You understand the cultural baggage the word carries in Germany, including its use in historical critiques of bureaucracy and leadership. Your mastery includes the ability to use the word in highly formal written reports as well as in rapid-fire, nuanced verbal arguments, always choosing the correct register and tone.

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연습하기 예시 노트와 팁

Unfähig 30초 만에

Unfähig means 'incapable' or 'unable'.
It is the opposite of 'fähig' (capable).
Commonly used with 'zu' + infinitive.
Can be harsh and judgmental in professional contexts.

The German word unfähig is a powerful adjective that translates to 'incapable,' 'unable,' or 'incompetent' in English. At its core, it describes a person or an entity that lacks the necessary skills, power, or mental capacity to perform a specific task or to function in a certain role. In German culture, where 'Tüchtigkeit' (efficiency and competence) is highly regarded, calling someone unfähig can carry a significant weight, often perceived as a harsh criticism of their fundamental abilities. It is not merely about making a mistake; it implies a systemic or inherent lack of ability.

Core Meaning: The state of being fundamentally unable to achieve a goal or perform a function due to lack of skill or internal resources.

Der neue Mitarbeiter scheint völlig unfähig zu sein, die einfachsten Anweisungen zu befolgen.

Beyond professional incompetence, the word is also used in psychological and physical contexts. For example, one might be 'unfähig zu lieben' (incapable of loving) or 'unfähig zu gehen' (unable to walk). The prefix 'un-' serves as a negation of 'fähig', which comes from the verb 'fangen' (to catch/grasp), implying that the person cannot 'grasp' or 'hold' the ability required.

Psychological Context: Used to describe emotional deficits, such as the inability to feel empathy or maintain relationships.

Nach dem Trauma war er unfähig, Freude zu empfinden.

In legal terms, 'unfähig' appears in phrases like 'verhandlungsunfähig' (unfit to stand trial) or 'erwerbsunfähig' (incapable of earning a living), which are formal designations of a person's status. Understanding this word requires recognizing its breadth from everyday insults to high-level legal definitions. It is a versatile tool for describing the absence of capacity in any form.

Legal Usage: Formal terms identifying a person's lack of legal or physical capacity to perform duties or stand trial.

Das Gericht erklärte den Zeugen für unfähig, eine Aussage zu machen.

Die Regierung erwies sich als unfähig, die Krise zu bewältigen.

Ohne meine Brille bin ich völlig unfähig, die Zeitung zu lesen.

Using unfähig correctly involves understanding its grammatical placement as an adjective and its requirement for specific complements. Most commonly, it is followed by a 'zu' + infinitive construction. This structure explains exactly what the subject is unable to do. For example, 'Ich bin unfähig, das Problem zu lösen' (I am unable to solve the problem). Notice how 'unfähig' stays as the predicate adjective while the action is pushed to the end of the clause in the infinitive form.

Infinitive Construction: [Subject] + [Verb] + unfähig, [zu + Action]. This is the most frequent way to specify a lack of ability.

Er ist unfähig, Kritik anzunehmen.

For instance, 'ein unfähiger Chef' (an incompetent boss) or 'eine unfähige Regierung' (an incapable government). In these cases, the word modifies the noun directly to describe a characteristic. This is often more judgmental than the 'zu' construction because it labels the person or entity as generally incapable rather than just incapable of a specific act.

Attributive Usage: Using the word directly before a noun: [Article] + [Ending-adjusted unfähig] + [Noun].

Wir leiden unter einer unfähigen Verwaltung.

Another common pattern involves the preposition 'zu' followed by a dative noun, though this is less common than the infinitive clause. For example, 'unfähig zur Arbeit' (incapable of work). This is often used in medical or administrative contexts to describe a state of disability.

Dative Construction: unfähig + zur (zu der) / zum (zu dem) + [Noun in Dative case].

Der Patient ist momentan unfähig zur Kommunikation.

Warum bist du so unfähig?

Sie fühlte sich unfähig, allein nach Hause zu gehen.

You will encounter unfähig in a variety of real-world scenarios, ranging from heated political debates to clinical diagnoses. In the news, journalists often use it to criticize governmental failures or corporate mismanagement. Headlines like 'Die unfähige Führung der Bahn' (The incapable leadership of the railway) are common when public services fail to meet expectations. This usage highlights a collective frustration with systemic incompetence.

Political Discourse: Used to attack the efficacy of opponents or the government in power.

Die Opposition wirft dem Minister vor, unfähig zu sein.

In the workplace, 'unfähig' is a word often heard in HR discussions or between frustrated colleagues, although it's usually kept behind closed doors because of its legal implications in labor law. If an employer wants to fire someone for being 'unfähig', they often have to prove a 'personenbedingte Kündigung', which is a high hurdle. In literature and film, the 'unfähige Held' (incapable hero) is a common trope—a character who lacks the traditional skills of a protagonist but must succeed anyway.

Workplace & HR: Describes a lack of professional qualification or performance that may lead to termination.

Er wurde entlassen, weil er für die Position unfähig war.

In the medical field, specifically psychiatry, 'unfähig' is used to describe functional impairments. A patient might be 'arbeitsunfähig' (unable to work) due to burnout or 'schuldunfähig' (not criminally responsible) due to mental illness. These terms are precise and carry specific legal consequences. Finally, in the arts, you might hear it in the context of 'unfähige Künstler' (incapable artists) who are criticized for lacking technique or vision.

Medical/Psychiatric Usage: Technical terms describing a lack of capacity due to health conditions.

Der Angeklagte wurde für schuldunfähig erklärt.

Ich bin heute einfach unfähig, mich zu konzentrieren.

Das System ist unfähig, solche Datenmengen zu verarbeiten.

Learners of German often struggle with the difference between unfähig and similar words like 'unmöglich' or 'hilflos'. A common mistake is using 'unfähig' when you mean something is impossible. You cannot say 'Es ist unfähig, das zu tun' when you mean 'It is impossible to do that'. Instead, you must say 'Es ist unmöglich'. 'Unfähig' always refers to a lack of ability within a person or a complex system, not the feasibility of an action itself.

Unfähig vs. Unmöglich: 'Unfähig' refers to personal inability; 'unmöglich' refers to external impossibility.

Falsch: Es ist unfähig, heute zu kommen. (Correct: Es ist unmöglich...)

Another mistake is confusing 'unfähig' with 'machtlos' (powerless) or 'hilflos' (helpless). While an 'unfähiger' person lacks skill, a 'machtloser' person lacks the authority or external power to act, even if they are skilled. A 'hilfloser' person is in a state of needing help, which might be temporary and not due to a lack of talent. Mixing these up can lead to misunderstandings about the nature of the problem you are describing.

Semantic Nuances: 'Unfähig' = no skill; 'Machtlos' = no power; 'Hilflos' = in need of aid.

Er ist nicht unfähig, er hat nur keine Erlaubnis zu handeln.

Furthermore, avoid using 'unfähig' as a direct translation for 'disabled' in all contexts. While 'erwerbsunfähig' refers to a disability that prevents working, the general term for a person with a disability is 'Mensch mit Behinderung'. Using 'unfähig' to describe someone with a physical disability can be offensive and derogatory, as it implies a total lack of capability.

Sensitivity Note: Be careful not to use 'unfähig' as a synonym for 'disabled' in social contexts to avoid sounding insensitive.

Sie ist nicht unfähig, sie benötigt lediglich Barrierefreiheit.

Ich bin unfähig zur Lüge (not 'von der Lüge').

Bist du unfähig, pünktlich zu sein?

To enrich your German vocabulary, it is essential to know the alternatives to unfähig, as some are more polite and others more specific. 'Inkompetent' is a direct synonym often used in professional contexts, emphasizing a lack of professional qualification. 'Untauglich' is another alternative, frequently used for objects or people who are 'unfit' for a specific purpose, such as 'wehruntauglich' (unfit for military service).

Inkompetent: More formal and specifically related to professional skills or knowledge.
Untauglich: Refers to being 'unfit' or 'unsuitable' for a specific role or function.

Das Werkzeug ist untauglich für diese Reparatur.

'Nicht in der Lage' is a very common phrase that serves as a milder version of 'unfähig'. For instance, 'Ich bin momentan nicht in der Lage, Ihnen zu helfen' sounds much better than 'Ich bin unfähig, Ihnen zu helfen'. Another word is 'unbegabt', which means 'untalented'. This refers specifically to a lack of natural talent rather than a general inability.

Nicht in der Lage: A situational 'unable' that is polite and common in business emails.
Unbegabt: Specifically means lacking natural talent in areas like music, art, or math.

Er ist musikalisch völlig unbegabt.

In more extreme cases, you might use 'stümperhaft' (bungling/amateurish) to describe the *way* something was done, rather than the person's inherent state. This focuses on the poor quality of the work. Lastly, 'unqualifiziert' (unqualified) is used when someone lacks the formal credentials for a job, which is a specific type of 'Unfähigkeit'.

Stümperhaft: Describes a performance that is amateurish and full of errors.

Das war eine stümperhafte Leistung des Teams.

Die Firma ist unfähig, ihre Schulden zu bezahlen.

Er ist unfähig, sich zu entscheiden.

How Formal Is It?

재미있는 사실

The root 'fähig' is related to the English word 'fang' (a tooth for seizing prey) and 'to fang' (to catch). So, being 'unfähig' literally means you can't 'catch' or 'grasp' the task.

발음 가이드

UK /ˈʊnfɛːɪç/

US /ˈunfɛːɪk/

Primary stress on the first syllable: UN-fähig.

라임이 맞는 단어

zähig mähig schlägig träge schräge behäbig gnädig ledig

자주 하는 실수

Pronouncing 'ig' as a hard 'g' (like 'go'). In standard German, it should be soft.
Misplacing the stress on the second syllable.
Confusing the 'ä' sound with 'e'.
Shortening the 'ä' sound too much.
Failing to pronounce the 'h' as a lengthening marker for the 'ä'.

난이도

독해 2/5

Easy to recognize due to the 'un-' prefix and its similarity to English concepts.

쓰기 4/5

Requires knowledge of 'zu + infinitive' and adjective endings.

말하기 3/5

Pronouncing the 'ig' correctly can be tricky for beginners.

듣기 2/5

Clear pronunciation in most standard German contexts.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

fähig können machen Arbeit Mensch

다음에 배울 것

die Unfähigkeit befähigen inkompetent untauglich Begabung

고급

Schuldunfähigkeit Eignungstest Leistungsvermögen Qualifikation Fachwissen

알아야 할 문법

Adjective endings after indefinite articles

ein unfähiger Mann

Infinitive clauses with 'zu'

unfähig, das zu tun

Dative case with prepositions

unfähig zur (zu der) Arbeit

Negation with prefix 'un-'

unfähig vs fähig

Substantivized adjectives

der Unfähige (the incapable one)

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수준별 예문

Ich bin unfähig zu kochen.

I am unable to cook.

unfähig + zu + infinitive

Er ist unfähig zu schwimmen.

He is unable to swim.

Simple adjective usage

Das Kind ist unfähig zu warten.

The child is unable to wait.

unfähig + zu + infinitive

Bist du unfähig zu helfen?

Are you unable to help?

Question form

Wir sind unfähig zu singen.

We are unable to sing.

Plural subject

Sie ist unfähig zu laufen.

She is unable to walk.

Basic physical inability

Mein Hund ist unfähig zu bellen.

My dog is unable to bark.

Subject is an animal

Das Auto ist unfähig zu fahren.

The car is unable to drive.

Subject is an object

Der Arbeiter ist unfähig zur Arbeit.

The worker is unable to work.

unfähig + zur (zu der) + noun

Ich bin unfähig, den Computer zu reparieren.

I am unable to repair the computer.

Infinitive clause with 'zu'

Sie ist eine unfähige Köchin.

She is an incapable cook.

Attributive adjective with ending -e

Er war unfähig, die Wahrheit zu sagen.

He was unable to tell the truth.

Past tense 'war'

Warum bist du unfähig zur Pünktlichkeit?

Why are you unable to be punctual?

Dative construction

Wir brauchen keinen unfähigen Chef.

We don't need an incapable boss.

Attributive adjective in accusative case

Die Maschine ist unfähig, Papier zu schneiden.

The machine is unable to cut paper.

Object subject with infinitive clause

Sie fühlt sich unfähig, allein zu reisen.

She feels unable to travel alone.

Reflexive verb 'sich fühlen' + unfähig

Die Regierung ist unfähig, die Inflation zu stoppen.

The government is unable to stop inflation.

Political context

Wegen seiner Unfähigkeit verlor er den Job.

Because of his inability, he lost the job.

Noun form 'Unfähigkeit' after 'wegen'

Ich halte ihn für völlig unfähig.

I consider him completely incapable.

halten für + accusative

Sie ist unfähig, Kritik sachlich zu diskutieren.

She is unable to discuss criticism objectively.

Adverbial use of 'sachlich'

Ein unfähiger Mitarbeiter kann das ganze Team bremsen.

An incapable employee can slow down the whole team.

Attributive adjective in nominative

Bist du unfähig, deine Fehler zuzugeben?

Are you unable to admit your mistakes?

Separable verb 'zugeben' in infinitive

Der Patient ist vorübergehend unfähig zur Kommunikation.

The patient is temporarily unable to communicate.

Adverb 'vorübergehend'

Die Software ist unfähig, diese Datei zu öffnen.

The software is unable to open this file.

Technical context

Der Angeklagte wurde als verhandlungsunfähig eingestuft.

The defendant was classified as unfit to stand trial.

Compound word 'verhandlungsunfähig'

Er ist emotional unfähig, eine Bindung einzugehen.

He is emotionally incapable of forming a bond.

Psychological context

Die Verwaltung erwies sich als unfähig zur Reform.

The administration proved to be incapable of reform.

sich erweisen als + nominative

Trotz seiner Intelligenz war er unfähig zum Handeln.

Despite his intelligence, he was incapable of acting.

Contrast with 'trotz'

Wir leiden unter der Unfähigkeit unserer Führungskräfte.

We suffer from the inability of our leaders.

leiden unter + dative

Sie ist unfähig, die Tragweite ihrer Entscheidung zu begreifen.

She is unable to grasp the scope of her decision.

Abstract noun 'Tragweite'

Das Gesetz schützt Personen, die schuldunfähig sind.

The law protects persons who are not criminally responsible.

Legal term 'schuldunfähig'

Er ist unfähig, sich an neue Situationen anzupassen.

He is unable to adapt to new situations.

Reflexive verb 'sich anpassen'

Die Unfähigkeit zu trauern war ein zentrales Thema der Nachkriegszeit.

The inability to mourn was a central theme of the post-war period.

Historical/Psychological reference

Sein Werk zeugt von einer eklatanten Unfähigkeit zur Selbstkritik.

His work testifies to a glaring inability for self-criticism.

Noun 'Unfähigkeit' with 'eklatant'

Er ist unfähig, die Komplexität des globalen Marktes zu erfassen.

He is unable to grasp the complexity of the global market.

Academic context

Die Institution ist strukturell unfähig, auf Krisen zu reagieren.

The institution is structurally incapable of reacting to crises.

Adverb 'strukturell'

Sie ist unfähig, sich von ihren Vorurteilen zu lösen.

She is unable to detach herself from her prejudices.

Reflexive 'sich lösen von'

Der Autor beschreibt die Unfähigkeit der Sprache, Schmerz zu artikulieren.

The author describes the inability of language to articulate pain.

Literary analysis

Er wurde wegen Dienstunfähigkeit in den Ruhestand versetzt.

He was retired due to incapacity for service.

Administrative term 'Dienstunfähigkeit'

Die unfähige Handhabung der Affäre führte zum Rücktritt.

The incapable handling of the affair led to the resignation.

Attributive adjective in feminine dative

Die ontologische Unfähigkeit des Menschen, seine Endlichkeit zu akzeptieren.

The ontological inability of man to accept his finiteness.

Philosophical terminology

Das System verharrt in einer Agonie der Unfähigkeit.

The system remains in an agony of inability.

Metaphorical usage

Er ist unfähig, die Dialektik von Freiheit und Notwendigkeit zu verstehen.

He is unable to understand the dialectic of freedom and necessity.

Advanced conceptual vocabulary

Die Unfähigkeit zur Empathie wird oft als psychopathologisches Merkmal gewertet.

The inability for empathy is often valued as a psychopathological trait.

Scientific/Clinical register

Sie kritisierte die unfähige Rezeption moderner Kunst durch das Bürgertum.

She criticized the incapable reception of modern art by the bourgeoisie.

Sociological analysis

Der Protagonist ist unfähig, die Kausalität seines Scheiterns zu erkennen.

The protagonist is unable to recognize the causality of his failure.

Literary theory

Die bürokratische Unfähigkeit zur Agilität ist ein Hemmschuh für Innovationen.

The bureaucratic inability for agility is a hindrance to innovation.

Business/Management jargon

Er manifestierte eine totale Unfähigkeit, sich dem kollektiven Willen unterzuordnen.

He manifested a total inability to subordinate himself to the collective will.

Formal verb 'manifestieren'

자주 쓰는 조합

völlig unfähig

unfähig zu handeln

unfähig zur Liebe

erwerbsunfähig sein

unfähig zu begreifen

emotional unfähig

unfähig zu reagieren

unfähig zur Kritik

unfähig, eine Entscheidung zu treffen

für unfähig erklären

자주 쓰는 구문

unfähig zu lügen

— Honest to a fault; cannot tell a lie.

Er ist einfach unfähig zu lügen.

zu allem unfähig

— Completely useless; can't do anything right.

Heute fühle ich mich zu allem unfähig.

unfähig, Worte zu finden

— Speechless; unable to describe feelings.

Ich war unfähig, Worte für meinen Dank zu finden.

unfähig, still zu sitzen

— Restless; always moving.

Das Kind ist unfähig, still zu sitzen.

unfähig, Nein zu sagen

— People-pleaser; cannot refuse requests.

Sie ist leider unfähig, Nein zu sagen.

unfähig, sich zu konzentrieren

— Distracted; cannot focus.

Ich bin heute unfähig, mich zu konzentrieren.

unfähig, ein Geheimnis zu bewahren

— Cannot keep secrets.

Er ist unfähig, ein Geheimnis zu bewahren.

unfähig, Kritik zu ertragen

— Very sensitive to negative feedback.

Mein Chef ist unfähig, Kritik zu ertragen.

unfähig zur Zusammenarbeit

— Not a team player.

Dieser Kollege ist unfähig zur Zusammenarbeit.

unfähig, sich zu wehren

— Defenseless; unable to fight back.

Das Opfer war unfähig, sich zu wehren.

자주 혼동되는 단어

Unfähig vs unmöglich

Unmöglich means impossible (external), while unfähig means incapable (internal ability).

Unfähig vs unfähig vs inkompetent

Inkompetent is specifically for professional skills; unfähig is more general.

Unfähig vs unfähig vs machtlos

Machtlos means you have no power/authority; unfähig means you have no skill.

관용어 및 표현

"zu dumm zum Eierkochen"

— Extremely incapable (slang).

Er ist zu dumm zum Eierkochen.

slang

"zwei linke Hände haben"

— To be clumsy or incapable with manual tasks.

Ich habe zwei linke Hände beim Heimwerken.

informal

"nicht bis drei zählen können"

— To be very stupid or incapable.

Der ist so unfähig, der kann nicht mal bis drei zählen.

informal

"den Wald vor lauter Bäumen nicht sehen"

— Incapable of seeing the obvious.

Er ist unfähig, die Lösung zu sehen; er sieht den Wald vor lauter Bäumen nicht.

neutral

"hopfen und Malz verloren"

— A hopeless case; someone who is beyond help/incapable.

Bei ihm ist Hopfen und Malz verloren.

informal

"auf dem Schlauch stehen"

— Temporarily incapable of understanding.

Ich stehe gerade auf dem Schlauch.

informal

"kein Land sehen"

— Overwhelmed and incapable of managing.

Ich sehe vor lauter Arbeit kein Land mehr.

informal

"den Karren in den Dreck fahren"

— To ruin things through incompetence.

Die unfähige Leitung hat den Karren in den Dreck gefahren.

informal

"jemanden im Regen stehen lassen"

— Leaving someone helpless/incapable of acting alone.

Du hast mich im Regen stehen lassen.

informal

"gegen Windmühlen kämpfen"

— Incapable of winning against an abstract enemy.

Er ist unfähig zu gewinnen, er kämpft gegen Windmühlen.

neutral

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Unfähig vs unfähig

Sounds like 'unfair' but means something else.

Unfähig is about ability; unfair is about justice.

Es ist unfair, ihn unfähig zu nennen.

Unfähig vs unbegabt

Both mean 'not able'.

Unbegabt is about natural talent; unfähig is about general ability.

Er ist unbegabt für Musik, aber nicht unfähig zu arbeiten.

Unfähig vs hilflos

Both describe a state of not being able to do something.

Hilflos means needing help (situational); unfähig means lacking skill (personal).

Das Baby ist hilflos, nicht unfähig.

Unfähig vs untauglich

Both mean 'not fit'.

Untauglich is often used for objects or military fitness; unfähig is for skills.

Das Auto ist untauglich für das Gelände.

Unfähig vs unfähig vs nicht können

Both express inability.

'Nicht können' is a neutral verb; 'unfähig' is a judgmental adjective.

Ich kann nicht singen (neutral). Ich bin unfähig zu singen (dramatic).

문장 패턴

Ich bin unfähig zu [Verb].

Ich bin unfähig zu tanzen.

Er ist ein unfähiger [Nomen].

Er ist ein unfähiger Fahrer.

Sie ist unfähig, [Objekt] zu [Verb].

Sie ist unfähig, den Fehler zu finden.

Das ist ein Zeichen von Unfähigkeit.

Aufgrund von [Nomen] ist er unfähig zur [Nomen].

Aufgrund von Krankheit ist er unfähig zur Arbeit.

Die strukturelle Unfähigkeit, zu [Verb].

Die strukturelle Unfähigkeit, zu innovieren.

Ich halte ihn für unfähig.

Er erwies sich als unfähig.

어휘 가족

명사

die Unfähigkeit

der Unfähige

die Unfähige

동사

befähigen (to enable)

형용사

fähig

unfähig

사용법

frequency

Common in news, workplace, and descriptions of personal failure.

자주 하는 실수

Ich bin unfähig von kochen. → Ich bin unfähig zu kochen.
You must use 'zu' + infinitive, not 'von'.
Das ist unfähig zu tun. → Das ist unmöglich zu tun.
Use 'unmöglich' for tasks that cannot be done, 'unfähig' for people who lack ability.
Ein unfähig Chef. → Ein unfähiger Chef.
Adjectives before nouns need endings.
Er ist unfähig kochen. → Er ist unfähig zu kochen.
The word 'zu' is mandatory in this structure.
Ich bin unfähig in Mathe. → Ich bin unbegabt in Mathe.
For school subjects or talents, 'unbegabt' is more natural.

팁

Check the Preposition

Always use 'zu' with 'unfähig'. Avoid using 'von' or 'in', which are common mistakes for English speakers.

Noun Form

Learn 'die Unfähigkeit' alongside the adjective. It's very useful for discussing abstract problems in society.

Be Careful at Work

Calling a colleague 'unfähig' can lead to serious HR trouble. Use 'er/sie braucht mehr Training' instead.

Comma Placement

When you use an infinitive clause (unfähig, ... zu ...), you usually need a comma to separate the clauses.

Look for Compounds

In German news, you'll often see 'unfähig' attached to other words (e.g., 'regierungsunfähig').

Emphasis

Put stress on the 'UN-' to emphasize the negation, especially when you are frustrated.

Context Clues

If you hear 'unfähig' in a hospital, it's likely a technical term for a patient's condition.

German Directness

Germans might use 'unfähig' more directly than English speakers use 'incompetent', but it's still harsh.

Fang/Fähig

Remember that 'fähig' comes from 'fangen' (to catch). Unfähig means you can't 'catch' the skill.

Official Use

In legal contexts, 'unfähig' is a neutral descriptor of capacity, not an insult.

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기억법

Think of 'UN-FAIR-G'. It is UN-FAIR to call someone UN-FÄHIG unless they really can't do the job.

시각적 연상

Imagine someone trying to catch a ball but their hands are tied behind their back. They are 'unfähig' to catch (fangen/fähig).

Word Web

Incompetent Unable Useless Handicapped Failure Skillless Weak Clumsy

챌린지

Try to write three sentences about things you were unfähig to do as a child but can do now.

어원

From the Middle High German 'vähic', derived from the Old High German 'fāhan' (to catch, to seize).

원래 의미: Originally meant 'able to seize' or 'capable of holding'.

Germanic.

문화적 맥락

Avoid using 'unfähig' to describe people with disabilities in a general sense, as it is derogatory.

English speakers might use 'incompetent' or 'useless', but 'unfähig' feels slightly more formal and clinical.

'Die Unfähigkeit zu trauern' by Alexander and Margarete Mitscherlich. The trope of the 'unfähige Polizist' in German crime comedies. Political slogans criticizing 'unfähige Politiker'.

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

Workplace

unfähig zur Teamarbeit
für den Job unfähig
unfähige Leitung
beruflich unfähig

Health/Medical

arbeitsunfähig geschrieben
sportunfähig
geistig unfähig
körperlich unfähig

Emotions

unfähig zu lieben
unfähig zu weinen
emotional unfähig
unfähig zur Empathie

Politics

unfähige Regierung
politisch unfähig
unfähig zu Reformen
unfähige Verwaltung

Daily Life

unfähig zu kochen
unfähig zu warten
völlig unfähig heute
unfähig zum Parken

대화 시작하기

"Was machst du, wenn du dich völlig unfähig fühlst?"

"Glaubst du, dass manche Politiker einfach unfähig sind?"

"Bist du unfähig, morgens ohne Kaffee aufzustehen?"

"Kennst du jemanden, der völlig unfähig ist, ein Geheimnis zu bewahren?"

"Was ist eine Sache, die du als Kind unfähig warst zu tun, aber jetzt liebst?"

일기 주제

Beschreibe eine Situation, in der du dich unfähig gefühlt hast. Wie bist du damit umgegangen?

Ist es fair, jemanden als 'unfähig' zu bezeichnen? Warum oder warum nicht?

Reflektiere über die 'Unfähigkeit zu trauern'. Was bedeutet dieser Begriff für dich?

Schreibe über eine Maschine oder ein System, das unfähig ist, seinen Zweck zu erfüllen.

Wie unterscheidet sich 'unfähig sein' von 'keine Lust haben'?

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

Yes, it can be a very strong insult in a professional context, implying someone is useless at their job.

They are very similar, but 'inkompetent' is more formal and specific to professional knowledge.

Yes, for example, a machine or a system can be 'unfähig' to process data.

The standard term is 'arbeitsunfähig'.

Yes, in terms like 'schuldunfähig' or 'verhandlungsunfähig'.

The opposite is 'fähig' or 'kompetent'.

Use 'unfähig' + 'zu' + infinitive at the end of the sentence.

Yes, like 'unfähig zu lieben' (incapable of loving).

It is moderately common, especially when expressing frustration.

It means being unable to earn a living due to health reasons.

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