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das Unentschieden

A2 noun #4,000 most common 10 min read

das Unentschieden

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips das Unentschieden in 30 Seconds

Explanation das Unentschieden in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to understand the most basic use of Unentschieden. It is a word you use to describe the end of a game when nobody won. Think of it as 'no winner.' At this stage, you might just learn the phrase 'Das Spiel ist unentschieden' (The game is tied). You don't need to worry too much about complex grammar. Just remember that if you are playing a simple game with a German friend and the points are the same, you can say 'Unentschieden!' to mean 'It's a tie!' It is often taught alongside basic sports vocabulary like Fußball, spielen, and gewinnen (to win) or verlieren (to lose). Even at this early stage, try to remember that the noun version starts with a capital letter. You might see it on a scoreboard as '0:0' and hear someone say the word. It's a useful word for basic social interaction and following simple sports news. You should focus on the idea that 'un-' means 'not' and 'entschieden' means 'decided,' so the game is 'not decided.' This simple logic helps in memorizing the word. Don't worry about cases like dative or genitive yet; just use it in simple nominative sentences like 'Es ist ein Unentschieden.' This will be perfectly understood and is a great addition to your early German vocabulary. Learning this word early helps you participate in the ubiquitous German culture of football fans.

At the A2 level, you should start using das Unentschieden as a full noun in sentences. You will learn to use it with basic prepositions like mit. For example, 'Das Spiel endete mit einem Unentschieden.' Here, you are practicing the dative case (einem). You should also be able to distinguish between the noun and the adjective. A2 learners are expected to talk about their hobbies, and since many people like sports, this word is very practical. You might describe a match you watched on TV: 'Gestern habe ich Fußball gesehen. Es gab ein Unentschieden.' You can also start using simple adjectives to describe the draw, such as 'ein faires Unentschieden' or 'ein langweiliges Unentschieden.' Understanding the word family is also helpful at this stage; you know entscheiden (to decide) and die Entscheidung (the decision), so das Unentschieden fits right into that pattern. You should also be aware that in Germany, a draw is a very common result in football, so you will see this word in almost every sports report. Practice saying the word clearly, as the 'sch' and 'ie' sounds can be tricky for beginners. By the end of A2, you should feel comfortable using this word to report the results of games and to understand basic sports headlines in newspapers or online.

By the B1 level, your use of das Unentschieden should become more nuanced. You can now use it in more complex sentence structures, such as 'Obwohl die Mannschaft viele Chancen hatte, reichte es am Ende nur für ein Unentschieden' (Although the team had many chances, in the end, it was only enough for a draw). You should also be familiar with synonyms like Remis and know when to use them (e.g., in a chess context). B1 learners should be able to discuss the consequences of a draw in a tournament: 'Durch das Unentschieden hat das Team den ersten Platz verloren.' You can also use the word in a more figurative sense, such as in a negotiation or a debate that ends without a clear winner. You should be comfortable with all cases, including the genitive: 'Trotz des Unentschiedens war der Trainer zufrieden.' At this level, you start to understand the cultural significance of the word—how a draw can be strategically valuable in a league system. You might also encounter compound words like Unentschieden-König (a team that draws very often). Your vocabulary is expanding to include related terms like Punkteteilung or Gleichstand, and you can explain the difference between them. This level is about moving from simple reporting to discussing the 'how' and 'why' of a result.

At the B2 level, you can use das Unentschieden fluently in both written and spoken German. You are able to follow detailed sports analyses where commentators discuss whether an Unentschieden was 'leistungsgerecht' (a fair reflection of performance) or 'glücklich' (lucky). You can use idiomatic expressions and more sophisticated verbs like erzwingen (to force a draw) or verspielen (to gamble away a lead, resulting in a draw). Your understanding of the word extends to political and social contexts, where you might describe a 'Patt-Situation' as a metaphorical Unentschieden. You can write short reports or essays about sports events, using the word to vary your language. You are also aware of the emotional weight the word can carry—the difference between a 'gewonnenes Unentschieden' (a draw that feels like a win because the team was the underdog) and a 'verlorenes Unentschieden' (a draw that feels like a loss because the team was leading until the last minute). At B2, you should also be able to understand the word in the context of game theory or simple mathematical models where outcomes are discussed. Your grasp of the grammar is firm, and you no longer make mistakes with capitalization or gender. You can use the word to engage in deeper conversations about fairness, competition, and the nature of success in different cultures.

At the C1 level, your command of das Unentschieden is near-native. You understand the subtle rhetorical uses of the word. For instance, in a high-level political commentary, an author might use the concept of an Unentschieden to critique a lack of decisive leadership or a stalemate in legislative processes. You are familiar with the historical development of the word and its roots in the verb scheiden. You can appreciate the stylistic choice between Unentschieden, Remis, and Patt in literature or high-end journalism. You can discuss complex topics such as the 'Unentschieden-Strategie' in international relations or economics, where a neutral or tied outcome is intentionally sought to maintain balance. Your spoken German allows you to use the word in rapid-fire discussions about sports tactics, where you might argue whether playing for a draw is a valid defensive philosophy or a sign of weakness. You understand the irony in phrases like 'ein klassisches Unentschieden' when applied to non-sporting events. At this level, the word is just one tool in a very large and precise toolkit. You can use it to add nuance to your descriptions of any situation where opposing forces are equal. You are also capable of understanding specialized legal or technical texts where the term might appear in the context of equal votes or tied bids in a procurement process.

At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of das Unentschieden and its place in the German linguistic landscape. You can analyze the word's usage in classical literature or contemporary philosophy, where the state of being 'unentschieden' (undecided) might be discussed as a fundamental human condition or an existential state. You are aware of the most obscure synonyms and technical terms related to tied outcomes in every field, from horse racing to quantum physics. You can use the word with perfect precision in any register, from the most informal slang to the most formal academic prose. You might explore the etymological links between entscheiden, Unentschieden, and Bescheid in a linguistic dissertation. In a professional context, you can lead negotiations where you strategically aim for an outcome that could be described as an Unentschieden to ensure long-term cooperation between parties. Your understanding of the word is not just linguistic but cultural and psychological; you understand how the concept of a draw reflects broader societal values regarding competition, compromise, and social harmony in German-speaking countries. You can use the word to create metaphors and analogies that are both creative and culturally resonant. At this stage, the word is fully integrated into your cognitive framework of the German language.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

das Unentschieden in 30 Seconds

Das Unentschieden means a draw or tie in sports and games, where scores are equal.
It is a neuter noun (das) and must be capitalized in writing, unlike the adjective.
Commonly used in football contexts, where a draw results in a point for each team.
Synonyms include 'Remis' for chess and 'Patt' for political or logical stalemates.

The German noun das Unentschieden is a fundamental term in the world of sports, games, and even general decision-making processes. At its core, it describes a situation where no clear winner or loser emerges from a contest. Linguistically, it is a substantivized adjective derived from the past participle of the verb entscheiden (to decide), combined with the negating prefix un-. Thus, it literally translates to 'the undecided.' In a culture like Germany's, where football (soccer) is not just a sport but a social institution, this word is ubiquitous. Unlike some North American sports where a tie is often avoided through overtime or shootouts, the Unentschieden is an accepted and common outcome in the Bundesliga, often resulting in a single point for each team.

Grammatical Gender: It is a neuter noun (das), which is typical for German nouns formed from verbs or adjectives in this manner.
Plural Form: The plural is also 'die Unentschieden,' though it is less frequently used than the singular because each match usually results in one specific draw.

Beyond the football pitch, you might encounter this word in board games like chess, although chess players often prefer the specialized term Remis. However, in casual conversation, if you and a friend are playing a game of cards and the score is equal, das Unentschieden is the perfect term to use. It carries a sense of balance, though sometimes also a sense of frustration if a victory was expected.

Nach einem spannenden Spiel endete das Derby mit einem Unentschieden.

This sentence illustrates the most common way to use the noun: following the preposition mit (with). It is also important to distinguish between the noun and the adjective/adverb unentschieden. When you say 'Das Spiel ist unentschieden,' you are using it as an adjective. When you say 'Es gab ein Unentschieden,' you are using the noun. In political or legal contexts, the word can occasionally appear to describe a stalemate or a situation where a vote has not yet yielded a majority, though Patt or Stimmengleichheit might be more precise there. Nevertheless, the versatility of Unentschieden makes it a core vocabulary word for anyone reaching the A2 level. It allows you to discuss results, share opinions on sports, and navigate social games with ease.

Obwohl sie hart gekämpft haben, mussten sie sich mit einem Unentschieden zufriedengeben.

This usage highlights the emotional aspect—sometimes a draw is something you 'have to settle for' (sich zufriedengeben).

Colloquial Usage: In very informal settings, people might just say 'Null zu Null' if it was a scoreless draw, but 'Unentschieden' remains the formal and most accurate descriptor.

Understanding this word also opens the door to understanding the German mindset regarding competition: a draw is not a failure of the system, but a legitimate reflection of equal performance on that specific day.

Using das Unentschieden correctly requires an understanding of its typical verbal companions and prepositional phrases. The most common verb associated with it is enden (to end). You will frequently hear 'Das Spiel endete mit einem Unentschieden' (The game ended with a draw). Note the use of the dative case after mit, changing the article to einem. Another frequent verb is erreichen (to achieve) or erzielen (to score/achieve), as in 'Die Mannschaft erzielte ein Unentschieden' (The team achieved a draw).

Prepositional Usage: Commonly paired with 'mit' (with) or 'zu' (to). For example, 'Es kam zu einem Unentschieden' (It came to a draw).

If you want to describe a score, you might say 'Es steht unentschieden' (It stands undecided/tied). Here, unentschieden functions as an adverb, so it is not capitalized. This is a subtle but vital distinction for learners.

Das Unentschieden war für beide Teams ein faires Ergebnis.

In this example, the noun acts as the subject of the sentence. It is often qualified by adjectives like gerecht (fair), verdient (deserved), or enttäuschend (disappointing). When discussing strategy, a coach might say, 'Wir spielen auf Unentschieden' (We are playing for a draw), indicating a defensive tactic where the goal is simply not to lose. This phrase is very common in sports commentary.

Ein spätes Tor verhinderte das Unentschieden und sicherte den Sieg.

Here, the noun is the direct object (accusative). Notice how the article das stays the same in the accusative case for neuter nouns.

Common Verb Pairings: 'Retten' (to save): 'Sie retteten ein Unentschieden über die Zeit' (They saved a draw over the time/until the end).

You might also hear it in the context of a 'Nullnummer,' which is a slangier way to describe a 0-0 draw. However, Unentschieden is the standard term you should master first. Whether you are describing a local football match or a high-stakes chess game, these sentence patterns will serve as a reliable foundation. Remember to pay attention to the case required by the preposition you choose—usually dative with mit or accusative when it's the object of an action.

If you spend any time in Germany, you will hear das Unentschieden most frequently on Saturday afternoons. This is when the Bundesliga matches take place. Radio announcers, sports commentators on television, and fans in the local Kneipe (pub) will be using it constantly. 'Wie ist das Spiel ausgegangen?' (How did the game end?) 'Es war ein Unentschieden.' This context is the primary driver for the word's high frequency in German daily life.

Sports News: Headlines often use short forms: 'Unentschieden im Top-Spiel' (Draw in the top match).

Beyond the stadium, you will hear it in schools and sports clubs. Children playing tag or amateur athletes competing in local leagues will use it to settle their scores.

Nach der Verlängerung stand es immer noch Unentschieden, also gab es ein Elfmeterschießen.

In this context, notice the shift back to the adverbial/adjective use ('es stand unentschieden'). This flexibility is key. You will also find it in the news when discussing elections. If two candidates have the exact same number of votes, the media will report a 'patt' or an 'Unentschieden,' though the former is more formal for politics. Board game enthusiasts are another group that uses this word regularly. Whether it's a game of 'Mensch ärgere dich nicht' that ends in a stalemate or a professional chess match, the term is the standard way to describe the lack of a winner.

Wir haben drei Stunden gespielt, aber am Ende war es ein Unentschieden.

You might also encounter it in a figurative sense. If two people are arguing and neither can convince the other, someone might say, 'Nennen wir es ein Unentschieden' (Let's call it a draw), meaning let's agree to disagree or stop the conflict without a winner.

Media Headlines: 'Zitter-Unentschieden' (a 'trembling' draw) refers to a match where a team barely managed to keep the score tied under pressure.

Listening for the word in these varied contexts will help you understand its nuances—from the literal score of a game to the metaphorical resolution of a conflict.

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make with das Unentschieden is confusing the noun with the adjective/adverb. In English, 'draw' and 'tie' can be both nouns and verbs, and the form doesn't change much. In German, the capitalization and the ending change everything. If you say 'Das Spiel ist ein Unentschieden,' you are using the noun (The game is a draw). If you say 'Das Spiel ist unentschieden,' you are using the adjective (The game is tied). The latter does not have an article and is not capitalized.

Mistake: Capitalization: Writing 'es ist ein unentschieden' (lowercase) is a common spelling error. Nouns must be capitalized.

Another mistake is the choice of preposition. English speakers often want to say 'a draw *in* the game,' translating literally to 'ein Unentschieden *in* dem Spiel.' While understandable, Germans usually say 'ein Unentschieden *im* Spiel' or use the verb enden with mit.

Falsch: Wir haben ein unentschieden gemacht. Richtig: Wir haben ein Unentschieden erreicht.

This example shows two errors: capitalization and the verb 'machen.' While 'machen' is the go-to verb for many things in German, it sounds very childish or non-native when paired with Unentschieden. Use erzielen, erreichen, or spielen instead. There is also the confusion between Unentschieden and Gleichstand. Gleichstand means 'equality of status' or 'a tie in points' during a competition, but Unentschieden is specifically the *result* of a match. You can have a Gleichstand in the 20th minute, but you only have an Unentschieden as a final result or a specific state of the game.

Das Unentschieden im Finale war eine Überraschung.

Lastly, avoid using 'Tie' as a loanword in German. While 'Team' and 'Fairplay' are common, 'Tie' is not used; Unentschieden is the only way to go.

Summary of Errors: 1. Lowercase 'u'. 2. Wrong gender (der/die). 3. Using 'machen' instead of 'erzielen'. 4. Confusing with 'Gleichstand'.

By being mindful of these pitfalls, you will sound much more natural and precise.

While das Unentschieden is the most versatile term, German offers several synonyms and related words depending on the context. The most prominent alternative is das Remis. This word comes from French and is used almost exclusively in chess and sometimes in high-level sports journalism. It sounds a bit more sophisticated than Unentschieden.

das Remis: Usage: 'Die Großmeister einigten sich auf ein Remis.' (The grandmasters agreed on a draw.)
das Patt: Usage: Specifically 'stalemate' in chess, or a political deadlock where neither side can move forward.

Another related term is der Gleichstand. This refers to the state of having the same number of points or goals. If the score is 2-2, you have a Gleichstand. The match might then end in an Unentschieden.

Nach dem Gleichstand in der ersten Halbzeit folgte ein dramatischer Sieg.

In sports like tennis, where a tie is not possible as a final result, you use terms like Einstand (deuce) to describe a temporary tie in a game. You might also hear the term Punkteteilung (sharing of points). This is very common in league sports where a draw means both teams get one point. Journalists love this word because it adds variety to their reports.

Die Punkteteilung hilft keinem der beiden Kellerkinder.

Here, 'Kellerkinder' refers to teams at the bottom of the table. Lastly, there's the tote Rennen (dead heat), used in racing when two competitors cross the finish line at exactly the same time. While rare, it's a specific type of Unentschieden.

Comparison: 'Unentschieden' is the general result. 'Gleichstand' is the current score. 'Remis' is the professional/chess variant.

Understanding these alternatives allows you to choose the word that best fits the level of formality and the specific activity you are discussing.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"Das Gremium einigte sich auf ein Unentschieden in der Abstimmung."

Neutral

"Das Spiel am Samstag endete mit einem Unentschieden."

Informal

"Schon wieder ein Unentschieden, wie langweilig!"

Child friendly

"Niemand hat gewonnen, es ist ein Unentschieden!"

Slang

"Wieder nur 'ne Nullnummer heute."

Fun Fact

The word is essentially a 'substantivized participle,' a common German way to turn verbs into nouns that describe a state.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈʊnʔɛntˌʃiːdn̩/

US /ˈunˌɛntˌʃidn̩/

Primary stress on the first syllable: UN-ent-schie-den.

Rhymes With

entschieden mieden Frieden hieden Sieden Lieden beschieden verschieden

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'ie' as a short 'i'. It must be long like 'bee'.
Forgetting the glottal stop after 'un-'.
Pronouncing the final '-en' too clearly; it should be almost swallowed.
Stressing the second syllable 'ent' instead of the first.
Confusing the 'sch' with a simple 's' sound.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize due to the 'un-' prefix and its frequency in news.

Writing 3/5

Requires remembering capitalization and the 'ie' spelling.

Speaking 3/5

The 'sch' and long 'ie' need practice for correct pronunciation.

Listening 2/5

Very distinct sound in sports broadcasts.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

entscheiden das Spiel gewinnen verlieren die Mannschaft

Learn Next

das Remis das Patt der Gleichstand die Verlängerung das Elfmeterschießen

Advanced

die Pattsituation leistungsgerecht die Punkteteilung die Tabellenspitze das Relegationsspiel

Grammar to Know

Substantivized Adjectives

unentschieden (adj) -> das Unentschieden (noun)

Dative after 'mit'

mit einem Unentschieden

Genitive with 'trotz'

trotz des Unentschiedens

Neuter noun endings

das Unentschieden (singular and plural are same)

Capitalization of Nouns

Always 'Unentschieden' when it's a noun.

Examples by Level

Das Spiel ist unentschieden.

The game is a tie.

Adjective use, no capital.

Es steht ein zu ein, also Unentschieden.

It is one to one, so a draw.

Noun use after 'also'.

Wir haben ein Unentschieden.

We have a draw.

Direct object (accusative).

Ist das ein Unentschieden?

Is that a draw?

Question with 'sein'.

Keiner gewinnt, es ist Unentschieden.

Nobody wins, it is a draw.

Simple identification.

Fußball endet oft mit Unentschieden.

Football often ends with draws.

Plural/General use.

Ich mag kein Unentschieden.

I don't like a draw.

Negation with 'kein'.

Das ist mein erstes Unentschieden.

That is my first draw.

Possessive adjective.

Das Derby endete mit einem Unentschieden.

The derby ended with a draw.

Dative after 'mit'.

Sie spielen heute auf Unentschieden.

They are playing for a draw today.

Preposition 'auf'.

Ein Unentschieden reicht uns heute.

A draw is enough for us today.

Subject of the sentence.

Warum war das Spiel ein Unentschieden?

Why was the game a draw?

Interrogative sentence.

Das war ein gerechtes Unentschieden.

That was a fair draw.

Adjective 'gerecht'.

Beide Mannschaften bekamen einen Punkt für das Unentschieden.

Both teams got one point for the draw.

Preposition 'für' + Accusative.

Ich finde dieses Unentschieden langweilig.

I find this draw boring.

Demonstrative 'dieses'.

Es kam am Ende zu einem Unentschieden.

In the end, it came to a draw.

Phrase 'zu etwas kommen'.

Trotz des Unentschiedens bleibt das Team Tabellenführer.

Despite the draw, the team remains the league leader.

Genitive case after 'trotz'.

Ein spätes Tor verhinderte das Unentschieden.

A late goal prevented the draw.

Accusative object.

Die Zuschauer waren mit dem Unentschieden unzufrieden.

The spectators were dissatisfied with the draw.

Adjective 'unzufrieden' + dative.

Er hoffte auf ein Unentschieden im nächsten Spiel.

He hoped for a draw in the next game.

Verb 'hoffen auf' + Accusative.

Nach neunzig Minuten stand es immer noch unentschieden.

After ninety minutes, it was still tied.

Adverbial use.

Das Unentschieden war das Ergebnis harter Arbeit.

The draw was the result of hard work.

Predicate nominative.

In diesem Fall ist ein Unentschieden besser als eine Niederlage.

In this case, a draw is better than a defeat.

Comparative structure.

Wir einigten uns auf ein Unentschieden bei unserem Brettspiel.

We agreed on a draw in our board game.

Reflexive verb 'einigen auf'.

Die Mannschaft rettete ein glückliches Unentschieden über die Zeit.

The team saved a lucky draw until the end.

Collocation 'über die Zeit retten'.

Ein Unentschieden wäre für den Außenseiter ein riesiger Erfolg.

A draw would be a huge success for the underdog.

Konjunktiv II (conditional).

Der Trainer kritisierte die Spielweise, die zum Unentschieden führte.

The coach criticized the style of play that led to the draw.

Relative clause.

Es war ein Unentschieden, das sich wie eine Niederlage anfühlte.

It was a draw that felt like a defeat.

Metaphorical description.

Die Statistik zeigt eine hohe Anzahl an Unentschieden in dieser Saison.

The statistics show a high number of draws this season.

Plural noun.

Wegen des Unentschiedens kam es zu Ausschreitungen nach dem Spiel.

Because of the draw, there were riots after the game.

Genitive 'des Unentschiedens'.

Man kann nicht ewig auf Unentschieden spielen; man muss auch mal riskieren.

You can't play for a draw forever; you have to take risks sometimes.

Modal verb 'können'.

Das Unentschieden sicherte ihnen den Einzug ins Halbfinale.

The draw secured their entry into the semi-finals.

Verb 'sichern'.

Das Unentschieden spiegelt die Ausgeglichenheit der beiden Kontrahenten wider.

The draw reflects the balance between the two opponents.

Separable verb 'widerspiegeln'.

In der politischen Debatte zeichnet sich ein Unentschieden ab.

A stalemate is emerging in the political debate.

Reflexive verb 'sich abzeichnen'.

Die Experten werteten das Unentschieden als taktisches Meisterstück.

The experts evaluated the draw as a tactical masterpiece.

Verb 'werten als'.

Jenseits des sportlichen Aspekts symbolisiert das Unentschieden einen Kompromiss.

Beyond the sporting aspect, the draw symbolizes a compromise.

Prepositional phrase 'jenseits des'.

Ein Unentschieden in den Verhandlungen wäre für beide Seiten fatal.

A stalemate in the negotiations would be fatal for both sides.

Adjective 'fatal'.

Das Unentschieden wurde durch eine Fehlentscheidung des Schiedsrichters begünstigt.

The draw was favored by a wrong decision by the referee.

Passive voice.

Trotz massiver Überlegenheit kam die Heimmannschaft nicht über ein Unentschieden hinaus.

Despite massive superiority, the home team did not get beyond a draw.

Phrase 'über etwas hinauskommen'.

Ein Unentschieden ist oft das Resultat einer defensiven Grundausrichtung.

A draw is often the result of a defensive basic orientation.

Genitive 'einer Grundausrichtung'.

Das Unentschieden als ontologischer Zustand der Ungewissheit wurde im Essay thematisiert.

The draw as an ontological state of uncertainty was addressed in the essay.

Academic register.

Die hermeneutische Analyse des Textes lässt die Frage nach dem Sieger unentschieden.

The hermeneutic analysis of the text leaves the question of the winner undecided.

Adjective use in abstract context.

In der Spieltheorie stellt das Unentschieden oft ein stabiles Gleichgewicht dar.

In game theory, a draw often represents a stable equilibrium.

Technical terminology.

Die ästhetische Wirkung des Films liegt gerade in seinem dramaturgischen Unentschieden.

The aesthetic effect of the film lies precisely in its dramaturgical indecision.

Abstract noun use.

Das Unentschieden in der Wählergunst führte zu einer langwierigen Regierungsbildung.

The tie in voter favor led to a lengthy government formation.

Compound context.

Man könnte das Unentschieden als das Nullsummenspiel der Erschöpften bezeichnen.

One could describe the draw as the zero-sum game of the exhausted.

Subjunctive II 'könnte'.

Die dialektische Spannung zwischen Sieg und Niederlage löst sich im Unentschieden auf.

The dialectical tension between victory and defeat dissolves in the draw.

Philosophical register.

Ein Unentschieden im juristischen Sinne kann durch das Los entschieden werden.

A tie in the legal sense can be decided by lot.

Passive voice 'werden'.

Common Collocations

ein Unentschieden erzielen

mit einem Unentschieden enden

auf Unentschieden spielen

ein gerechtes Unentschieden

ein torloses Unentschieden

ein spätes Unentschieden

das Unentschieden halten

ein Unentschieden erzwingen

wegen eines Unentschiedens

ein glückliches Unentschieden

Common Phrases

Es steht unentschieden.

— The current score is tied.

Es steht unentschieden, noch fünf Minuten zu spielen.

Sich mit einem Unentschieden begnügen.

— To be satisfied with/settle for a draw.

Sie mussten sich mit einem Unentschieden begnügen.

Ein Unentschieden herausholen.

— To manage to get a draw (often with effort).

Wir haben noch ein Unentschieden herausgeholt.

Das Unentschieden verwalten.

— To play defensively to keep the current tied score.

In der zweiten Halbzeit verwalteten sie nur noch das Unentschieden.

Auf ein Unentschieden setzen.

— To bet on a draw.

Ich habe beim Tippspiel auf ein Unentschieden gesetzt.

Ein Unentschieden abtrotzen.

— To force a draw against a stronger opponent.

Sie trotzten dem Tabellenführer ein Unentschieden ab.

Es kam zum Unentschieden.

— It resulted in a draw.

Nach langem Kampf kam es zum Unentschieden.

Ein Unentschieden retten.

— To save a draw (defensively).

Der Torwart rettete das Unentschieden.

Ein Unentschieden ist drin.

— A draw is possible/achievable.

Gegen diesen Gegner ist ein Unentschieden drin.

Das Unentschieden ist perfekt.

— The draw is confirmed/final.

Der Schiedsrichter pfeift ab, das Unentschieden ist perfekt.

Often Confused With

das Unentschieden vs unentschieden (adj)

The adjective means 'undecided' or 'tied' and is not capitalized.

das Unentschieden vs Gleichstand

Refers to the score being equal, whereas Unentschieden is the result.

das Unentschieden vs Entscheidung

The opposite concept: a decision or a decisive result.

Idioms & Expressions

"Nennen wir es ein Unentschieden."

— Let's agree to disagree or stop a conflict without a winner.

Wir kommen hier nicht weiter, nennen wir es ein Unentschieden.

informal

"Ein Unentschieden, das sich wie ein Sieg anfühlt."

— A draw that is celebrated because the team was much weaker.

Für den Aufsteiger ist dieses Unentschieden wie ein Sieg.

journalistic

"Auf Unentschieden gepolt sein."

— To have a mindset only aimed at not losing.

Die ganze Taktik war auf Unentschieden gepolt.

informal

"Ein Unentschieden über die Zeit retten."

— To barely manage to finish the game with a tie under pressure.

Mit viel Glück retteten sie das Unentschieden über die Zeit.

neutral

"Ein klassisches Unentschieden."

— A predictable or very typical draw.

Das war ein klassisches Unentschieden zwischen diesen Teams.

neutral

"Ein Unentschieden aus dem Hut zaubern."

— To get a draw unexpectedly at the last moment.

In der Nachspielzeit zauberten sie ein Unentschieden aus dem Hut.

informal

"Kein Unentschieden zulassen."

— To play aggressively to ensure a decisive result.

Der Trainer wollte heute kein Unentschieden zulassen.

neutral

"Sich auf ein Unentschieden einigen."

— To mutually agree to end in a tie (mostly games).

Die Spieler einigten sich nach zehn Minuten auf ein Unentschieden.

neutral

"Ein Unentschieden der besseren Sorte."

— An entertaining or high-quality draw.

Das 3:3 war ein Unentschieden der besseren Sorte.

journalistic

"Ein Unentschieden, mit dem beide leben können."

— A result that is acceptable for both parties.

Am Ende war es ein Unentschieden, mit dem beide leben können.

neutral

Easily Confused

das Unentschieden vs entschieden

It is the root word.

Entschieden means 'decided' or 'resolute', while Unentschieden means 'tied' or 'undecided'.

Er handelte sehr entschieden.

das Unentschieden vs Remis

Both mean draw.

Remis is more formal and used in chess; Unentschieden is general and common in football.

Das Schachspiel endete Remis.

das Unentschieden vs Patt

Both mean no winner.

Patt is a stalemate where no move is possible; Unentschieden is just an equal score.

Die Verhandlungen sind in einem Patt gefangen.

das Unentschieden vs Gleichheit

Both imply equality.

Gleichheit is general equality (rights, etc.), not a game result.

Wir kämpfen für soziale Gleichheit.

das Unentschieden vs Ausgleich

Related to draws.

Ausgleich is the 'equalizer' goal that leads to a draw.

In der 90. Minute fiel der Ausgleich.

Sentence Patterns

Das Spiel ist [unentschieden].

Das Spiel ist unentschieden.

Es gab ein [Adjektiv] Unentschieden.

Es gab ein faires Unentschieden.

Trotz des [Unentschiedens]...

Trotz des Unentschiedens sind wir froh.

Ein Unentschieden [Verb]...

Ein Unentschieden reicht für den Aufstieg.

Das Unentschieden [widerspiegeln]...

Das Unentschieden spiegelt die Leistung wider.

Im Falle eines [Unentschiedens]...

Im Falle eines Unentschiedens greift die Sonderregel.

Sich auf ein Unentschieden [einigen].

Wir einigten uns auf ein Unentschieden.

Mit einem Unentschieden [zufrieden sein].

Ich bin mit einem Unentschieden zufrieden.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in sports, medium in general news.

Common Mistakes

das unentschieden → das Unentschieden
Nouns must always be capitalized in German. This is a very common spelling error.
der Unentschieden → das Unentschieden
The word is neuter. Using the masculine article is a common gender mistake for learners.
Wir haben ein Unentschieden gemacht. → Wir haben ein Unentschieden erzielt.
The verb 'machen' is too simple and sounds unnatural. 'Erzielen' or 'erreichen' is better.
Das Spiel ist Unentschieden. → Das Spiel ist unentschieden.
In this case, it is an adjective, so it should not be capitalized.
Ein Unentschieden in dem Spiel. → Ein Unentschieden im Spiel.
Contractions like 'im' (in dem) are much more natural in this context.

Tips

Capitalization Rule

Always capitalize 'Unentschieden' when it follows an article (das, ein) or a preposition. If it describes the state of the score (Es steht...), use lowercase.

Football Context

In German football, a draw gives each team 1 point. Use 'Punkteteilung' to sound like a native sports fan.

The Long 'ie'

Make sure to pronounce the 'ie' in 'schieden' as a long 'ee' sound. If it's too short, it sounds like a different word.

Agree to Disagree

Use 'Nennen wir es ein Unentschieden' when an argument isn't going anywhere and you want to stop.

Avoid 'machen'

Don't say 'ein Unentschieden machen'. Use 'erzielen', 'erreichen', or 'spielen' for a more professional tone.

Fairness

Remember that in Germany, an Unentschieden is often seen as a fair and respectable result, not a failure.

Chess Players

If you play chess in Germany, use 'Remis'. Using 'Unentschieden' in a chess club might mark you as a beginner.

Prefix 'un-'

Notice how 'un-' negates the meaning. 'Entschieden' (decided) becomes 'Unentschieden' (not decided/tied).

Scoreboards

When listening to results, 'X zu X' (e.g., eins zu eins) is almost always followed by the word 'Unentschieden'.

Daily Use

Try to use the word whenever you see two things that are equal in value or score to reinforce the concept.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'UN-DECIDED'. If a game is 'Unentschieden', the winner has NOT (un-) been DECIDED (entschieden).

Visual Association

Imagine a scale with two identical weights. The scale is perfectly balanced, and the needle is 'undecided' on which way to tip.

Word Web

Fußball Remis Punkte Ergebnis Gleichstand Schiedsrichter Tabelle Spiel

Challenge

Try to find three sports where an Unentschieden is possible and three where it is not. Write a sentence for each using the word.

Word Origin

Derived from the Middle High German 'entscheiden', which originally meant to separate or distinguish. The 'un-' prefix was added to signify the lack of such a separation/decision.

Original meaning: A state where a distinction or decision has not been made.

Germanic (Indo-European).

Cultural Context

No particular sensitivities, as it is a neutral sporting and descriptive term.

English speakers often use 'tie' or 'draw' interchangeably, but 'Unentschieden' is the universal term in German.

Bundesliga match reports Chess tournament results The idiom 'Nennen wir es ein Unentschieden' in dubbed movies.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Football Match

Wie ist das Spiel ausgegangen?
Es war ein Unentschieden.
Ein Punkt für jeden.
Torloses Unentschieden.

Board Games

Wollen wir ein Unentschieden machen?
Ich schlage ein Unentschieden vor.
Es ist unentschieden.
Keiner hat mehr Steine.

Politics/Elections

Ein Unentschieden in der Umfrage.
Es gibt kein klares Ergebnis.
Stimmengleichheit.
Patt-Situation.

Arguments/Debates

Lass uns aufhören, Unentschieden.
Beide haben recht.
Ein Patt in der Diskussion.
Kein Sieger.

School/Sports Class

Die Teams sind gleich stark.
Das Ergebnis ist ein Unentschieden.
Wir teilen die Punkte.
Faires Spiel.

Conversation Starters

"Glaubst du, das Spiel morgen endet mit einem Unentschieden?"

"Was war das spannendste Unentschieden, das du je gesehen hast?"

"Findest du Unentschieden im Sport langweilig oder gerecht?"

"Sollte es beim Fußball immer eine Verlängerung geben, statt eines Unentschiedens?"

"Hast du schon mal bei einem Brettspiel ein Unentschieden vorgeschlagen?"

Journal Prompts

Schreibe über ein Erlebnis, bei dem ein Unentschieden besser war als ein Sieg.

Warum sind Unentschieden in manchen Kulturen beliebter als in anderen?

Beschreibe ein fiktives Fußballspiel, das 4:4 Unentschieden endet.

Wie fühlst du dich, wenn ein Spiel, das du magst, unentschieden ausgeht?

Diskutiere die Vor- und Nachteile der Punkteteilung bei einem Unentschieden.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is neuter: 'das Unentschieden'. This is because it is a substantivized verb/adjective, which are almost always neuter in German.

Yes, it is the standard term for any tied score, including 0-0. You can also call a 0-0 draw a 'torloses Unentschieden'.

'Remis' is a loanword from French used primarily in chess and high-level sports journalism. 'Unentschieden' is the everyday German word used for all sports and games.

You can say 'unentschieden spielen' (verb phrase) or 'ein Unentschieden erzielen' (noun phrase).

Yes, 'die Unentschieden'. The form remains the same as the singular. For example: 'Wir hatten diese Saison viele Unentschieden.'

Yes, as an adjective, it can mean a person is 'undecided' about a choice. 'Ich bin noch unentschieden, was ich essen soll.'

No, 'Tie' is not a common loanword in German sports. You should always use 'Unentschieden' or 'Gleichstand'.

It means to play with a defensive tactic intended to prevent the opponent from winning, accepting a draw as a sufficient result.

The most natural way is: 'Das Spiel endete mit einem Unentschieden.'

Yes, it is very common. Roughly 25% of all matches in the German football league end in an Unentschieden.