At the A1 level, you don't need to use the word 'unverträglich' often, but you might see it on food labels. Think of it as a way to say 'bad for me' or 'I can't eat this'. In the beginning, it's easier to say 'Ich kann keine Milch trinken' (I can't drink milk). However, learning that 'un-' means 'not' is a great first step. You might see 'laktosefrei' (lactose-free) on milk cartons, and next to it, the word 'Unverträglichkeit'. Just remember: if you see this word on a food package, it is talking about food problems like stomach aches. Don't worry about the long grammar yet. Just recognize the 'un-' and the '-lich' parts. If a doctor asks you 'Haben Sie Unverträglichkeiten?', they want to know if food or medicine makes you sick. You can answer with 'Ja, Milch' or 'Nein'. It is a big word, but very useful in the supermarket!
At the A2 level, you can start using 'unverträglich' to describe food. You know that 'vertragen' means to tolerate or handle something. So, 'unverträglich' means you cannot handle it. You can use it in simple sentences like 'Milch ist für mich unverträglich.' This is better than just saying 'Milch ist schlecht.' You might also hear it about people, but it's safer to use 'nett' or 'nicht nett' for now. Focus on the medical side: if you go to a German pharmacy, the pharmacist might say 'Diese Tabletten sind unverträglich mit Alkohol.' This means: do not drink beer when you take these pills! It is an important word for your safety. You should also learn the noun 'die Unverträglichkeit' (the intolerance) because it is very common in Germany, where many people have special diets. You will see it on menus in restaurants too.
At the B1 level, you should be able to use 'unverträglich' in both medical and social contexts. You can explain your dietary needs clearly: 'Wegen meiner Glutenunverträglichkeit muss ich vorsichtig sein.' You also start using it to describe personalities. A person who is 'unverträglich' is someone who is difficult, always argues, and doesn't work well in a group. For example, 'Er ist ein unverträglicher Mensch, deshalb arbeitet er allein.' You should also pay attention to the adjective endings. Since it's a B1 word, you'll see it in reading exams about health or workplace conflicts. You can use it to replace simpler words like 'schwierig' or 'schlecht'. It makes your German sound more precise. You should also know the preposition 'gegen' (against) often goes with the noun form: 'Ich habe eine Unverträglichkeit gegen Nüsse.' This level is about moving from simple descriptions to more specific vocabulary.
At the B2 level, 'unverträglich' becomes a tool for discussing abstract concepts and technical details. You will use it to describe things that are logically or legally incompatible. For example, 'Diese neuen Regeln sind unverträglich mit unserem Vertrag' (These new rules are incompatible with our contract). You should understand the nuance between 'unverträglich' and 'allergisch'. You also use it in more formal writing to describe social phenomena, like 'die Unverträglichkeit von Beruf und Familie' (the incompatibility of career and family). You can handle the word in all its inflected forms and understand it when used adverbially. In debates, you might say 'Ihre Meinung ist mit den Fakten unverträglich.' This shows a high level of command over the language. You are also expected to know synonyms like 'inkompatibel' or 'unvereinbar' and when to use which one based on the register of the conversation.
At the C1 level, you use 'unverträglich' with precision in academic and professional settings. You understand its application in specialized fields like chemistry, law, and philosophy. You might discuss the 'biologische Unverträglichkeit' of certain species in an ecosystem or the 'juristische Unverträglichkeit' of two different statutes. You are also aware of the word's history and its relation to the verb 'vertragen' in its reflexive form 'sich vertragen' (to get along). You can use the word to describe complex character studies in literature, perhaps discussing a 'tief sitzende Unverträglichkeit' between two protagonists. Your vocabulary includes related terms like 'Unvereinbarkeit' and you can explain the subtle differences between them. You use the word effortlessly in complex sentence structures, such as 'Es herrscht eine fundamentale Unverträglichkeit zwischen seinen Ambitionen und seinen moralischen Grundsätzen.'
At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of 'unverträglich' and its various connotations. You can use it to convey subtle irony or deep sociological insight. You might use it in a rhetorical sense to describe the 'Unverträglichkeit des Seins' (the incompatibility of being) or other philosophical constructs. You are comfortable with the word in highly formal contexts, such as diplomatic protocols or high-level legal briefs. You understand the historical evolution of the word and can recognize it in archaic or poetic texts where it might have slightly different shades of meaning. You can use the noun and adjective forms to construct sophisticated arguments about societal harmony or systemic failures. At this level, the word is not just a vocabulary item but a precise instrument for expressing the complex ways in which elements of the world—be they physical, social, or conceptual—fail to harmonize.

unverträglich em 30 segundos

  • Used for food intolerances like lactose or gluten.
  • Describes a difficult, quarrelsome, or abrasive personality.
  • Indicates technical or logical incompatibility between things.
  • Often used with the prepositions 'gegen' or 'mit'.

The German adjective unverträglich is a versatile and essential term for any intermediate learner, sitting comfortably at the B1 level. At its core, the word describes a lack of compatibility or an inability to endure a specific substance, environment, or person. Etymologically, it is built from the prefix un- (meaning 'not'), the verb vertragen (meaning 'to bear', 'to endure', or 'to get along with'), and the suffix -lich (which forms adjectives). Therefore, something that is unverträglich is literally 'not-bearable' or 'not-compatible'. In modern German, this word branches into two primary domains: the physiological (medical/biological) and the social (personality/interpersonal).

Physiological Context
In the medical realm, this word is most frequently encountered when discussing food intolerances or adverse reactions to medications. If you have a lactose intolerance, you are laktoseunverträglich. If a medication causes a bad reaction, it is unverträglich with your system. Unlike an allergy (Allergie), which involves an immune response, an Unverträglichkeit (the noun form) often refers to the body's inability to process or digest something properly.
Social Context
When applied to people, unverträglich describes a person who is difficult to get along with, quarrelsome, or abrasive. This person might be described as having a 'difficult personality' that clashes with others. In professional settings, an unverträglicher Kollege is someone who creates friction and cannot work harmoniously in a team. It implies a persistent trait rather than a temporary bad mood.

Da ich laktoseintolerant bin, sind Milchprodukte für mich leider völlig unverträglich.

Understanding the nuance between 'allergic' and 'intolerant' is crucial in German culture, which takes dietary requirements very seriously. You will see this word on food packaging, in restaurant menus, and in medical questionnaires. Beyond biology, the word is also used in chemistry and technical fields to describe substances that cannot be mixed without a negative reaction. For instance, certain chemicals are chemisch unverträglich, meaning they might explode or degrade if combined. This technical usage mirrors the social usage: two things (or people) that simply cannot exist together in peace.

Sein unverträgliches Wesen machte es ihm schwer, Freunde zu finden.

In summary, unverträglich is a high-frequency word because it covers both our physical well-being and our social interactions. Whether you are explaining why you can't eat the cheese platter or why a specific project team isn't working out, this adjective provides the precision needed to describe incompatibility. It is more formal than 'schlecht' (bad) and more specific than 'schwierig' (difficult). As you progress to higher CEFR levels, you will notice it appearing in academic texts regarding ecology (incompatible species) and law (incompatible positions or laws).

Using unverträglich correctly requires attention to both its grammatical placement and the prepositional context. As an adjective, it follows standard German declension rules. If it comes before a noun, its ending changes based on gender, case, and number. For example: ein unverträglicher Stoff (a non-compatible substance), eine unverträgliche Person (an incompatible person), or das unverträgliche Medikament (the incompatible medication).

Common Grammatical Patterns
1. [Subject] + ist + unverträglich. (Simple predicate use)
2. [Subject] + ist + für [Person] + unverträglich. (Specifying who is affected)
3. [Subject] + und + [Subject] + sind + miteinander + unverträglich. (Mutual incompatibility)

Diese beiden Chemikalien sind miteinander unverträglich und dürfen nicht gemischt werden.

When discussing food, you might say: "Erdnüsse sind für mich unverträglich." (Peanuts are incompatible/intolerable for me). Note that while English speakers might say "I am intolerant to peanuts," in German, it is more common to describe the substance as being unverträglich for the person, or to use the noun form: "Ich habe eine Erdnussunverträglichkeit."

Wegen seiner unverträglichen Art wurde er aus dem Verein ausgeschlossen.

In more advanced usage, you might encounter the word in legal or philosophical debates. For instance, "Diese Forderungen sind mit dem Grundgesetz unverträglich" (These demands are incompatible with the Basic Law). Here, the word takes on a weightier, more formal tone, suggesting a fundamental logical or legal contradiction. It is also worth noting the adverbial use: "Sie verhielten sich unverträglich gegenüber den Gästen." (They behaved in an incompatible/difficult manner toward the guests).

Collocations with Nouns
- Unverträgliche Charaktere (Incompatible characters)
- Unverträgliche Medikamente (Incompatible medications)
- Unverträgliche Ziele (Incompatible goals)

Finally, remember that unverträglich is the opposite of verträglich. While verträglich can mean 'agreeable' or 'digestible', its negative counterpart is often used more frequently in medical contexts because the absence of a problem is often the default state. In social contexts, calling someone unverträglich is a significant criticism, suggesting they are a 'misanthrope' or 'quarrelsome person' (ein unverträglicher Zeitgenosse).

In modern Germany, you are most likely to encounter unverträglich in a few specific real-world environments. The first and most common is the Apotheke (pharmacy) or Arztpraxis (doctor's office). Pharmacists will often warn you if two medications are unverträglich, meaning taking them together could cause dangerous side effects. Doctors use the term when diagnosing digestive issues, leading to the ubiquitous Laktoseunverträglichkeit (lactose intolerance) or Fruktoseunverträglichkeit (fructose intolerance).

Haben Sie irgendwelche Unverträglichkeiten gegen bestimmte Wirkstoffe?

The second major environment is the Supermarkt. Look at the labels of 'free-from' products. While the labels might say 'Laktosefrei' or 'Glutenfrei', the explanatory text on the back often mentions 'für Personen mit einer Unverträglichkeit geeignet' (suitable for persons with an intolerance). This is a key word for anyone living in Germany with dietary restrictions.

Social and Workplace Dynamics
In a professional setting, an HR manager might use this word in a performance review or a conflict resolution meeting. If two employees cannot stop arguing, they are described as charakterlich unverträglich. It is a more formal and slightly distanced way of saying 'they hate each other' or 'they just don't click'. It sounds more objective and less emotional than saying someone is 'mean' or 'rude'.

You will also hear this word in political and legal news. When two laws clash, or when a politician's private business interests conflict with their public office, journalists will describe the situation as unverträglich. For example: "Sein Nebenjob ist mit seinem Amt unverträglich." (His side job is incompatible with his office). This implies a conflict of interest.

Die beiden Nachbarn sind extrem unverträglich und streiten sich jeden Tag.

Lastly, in literature and film reviews, a character might be described as unverträglich to highlight their status as an outsider or an anti-hero. Think of characters like Sherlock Holmes or Ebenezer Scrooge; their Unverträglichkeit is a defining character trait that drives the plot forward. In these contexts, the word carries a sense of being 'unsociable' or 'cantankerous'.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make is confusing unverträglich with allergisch. While they are related, they are not interchangeable in a medical context. An Allergie is an immune system overreaction (like to pollen or bee stings), whereas an Unverträglichkeit is often a metabolic issue (like the lack of an enzyme to digest milk). Using 'allergisch' when you mean 'unverträglich' might lead a doctor to look for the wrong symptoms.

Mistake: Confusing Social and Physical
Be careful when describing people. If you say 'Er ist unverträglich', you are saying he is a quarrelsome person in general. If you mean he just doesn't like a specific person, you should say 'Er verträgt sich nicht mit ihm' or 'Sie sind inkompatibel'. Calling someone 'unverträglich' is a strong statement about their character.

Falsch: Ich bin unverträglich gegen meine Hausaufgaben. (Incorrect usage for 'disliking' something).

Another error is the incorrect use of prepositions. Many learners try to use 'zu' (to) because of the English 'intolerant to'. However, in German, you are unverträglich gegen (against) or the substance is unverträglich für (for) you. Using 'zu' will sound non-native and confusing.

A subtle mistake involves the word intolerant. While 'intolerant' exists in German, it is almost exclusively used for social or political intolerance (e.g., religiöse Intoleranz). You would rarely say 'Ich bin laktoseintolerant' in casual speech; Laktoseunverträglichkeit is the standard term, though 'laktoseintolerant' is becoming more common due to English influence. Stick to unverträglich for food to sound more natural.

Richtig: Dieses Medikament ist unverträglich mit Alkohol.

Finally, don't confuse unverträglich with unerträglich. Unerträglich means 'unbearable' in the sense of 'awful' or 'painful' (e.g., unerträgliche Hitze - unbearable heat). While they share a root, unverträglich is about compatibility, while unerträglich is about the intensity of suffering.

Depending on whether you are talking about health, chemistry, or people, there are several alternatives to unverträglich. Choosing the right one will make your German sound more sophisticated and precise.

Social Alternatives
Streitsüchtig: This means 'quarrelsome' or 'argumentative'. Use this if someone actively seeks out fights.
Schwierig: A common euphemism. 'Ein schwieriger Mensch' is often a polite way of saying someone is unverträglich.
Misanthropisch: For someone who generally dislikes people and society.

Anstatt 'unverträglich' zu sagen, könnte man einen Kollegen auch als wenig teamfähig bezeichnen.

In a medical or technical context, you might use these terms:

Medical/Technical Alternatives
Inkompatibel: This is a direct loanword from Latin. It is used in technical, chemical, or IT contexts (e.g., incompatible software). It sounds very clinical.
Empfindlich: This means 'sensitive'. If you aren't fully unverträglich but get a stomach ache from coffee, you might say 'Ich bin empfindlich gegen Koffein.'
Widersprüchlich: Use this for ideas or laws that contradict each other.

When describing something that is physically impossible to digest, you could use bekömmlich (digestible/wholesome) in its negative form: unbekömmlich. This is often used for food that is simply heavy or slightly off, rather than a specific medical intolerance. For example, 'Die Pilze waren leider unbekömmlich' implies they made you feel a bit sick, but not necessarily because of a lifelong condition.

Diese Software-Version ist inkompatibel mit dem alten Betriebssystem.

In formal writing, especially in philosophy or law, you might see disparat or divergent. These words describe things that are so different they cannot be unified. However, for 95% of situations, unverträglich remains the most accurate and commonly understood term for any kind of 'bad mix'.

How Formal Is It?

Curiosidade

The root 'tragen' (to carry) is one of the most productive roots in German, leading to words like 'Vertrag' (contract - something you 'carry' together).

Guia de pronúncia

UK /ˈʊnfɛɐ̯ˌtʁɛːklɪç/
US /ˈʊnfɛrˌtreɪklɪk/
Primary stress on the first syllable 'un-', secondary stress on the third syllable '-träg-'.
Rima com
erträglich nachträglich täglich möglich kläglich unsäglich verträglich zugänglich
Erros comuns
  • Pronouncing 'v' as 'v' instead of 'f'.
  • Using the 'ach-laut' for 'ch' instead of the 'ich-laut'.
  • Stressing the wrong syllable.
  • Mispronouncing the 'ä' as a simple 'e'.
  • Dropping the 'r' entirely.

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 3/5

Common in labels and news, easy to recognize root.

Escrita 4/5

Requires correct adjective endings and prepositions.

Expressão oral 4/5

Long word, requires good pronunciation of 'ch' and 'ä'.

Audição 3/5

Clearly articulated in medical/formal contexts.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

tragen vertragen nicht schlecht Person

Aprenda a seguir

Allergie unvereinbar inkompatibel Empfindlichkeit Reaktion

Avançado

Antagonismus Divergenz Diskrepanz Idiosynkrasie Misanthropie

Gramática essencial

Adjective Ending -er

Ein unverträglicher Mensch (Masculine Nominative).

Preposition 'gegen'

Unverträglichkeit gegen Pollen.

Preposition 'mit'

Unverträglich mit Alkohol.

Prefix 'un-'

un- + verträglich = not tolerable.

Suffix '-keit'

unverträglich + -keit = die Unverträglichkeit (Noun).

Exemplos por nível

1

Milch ist für mich unverträglich.

Milk is intolerant for me.

Simple sentence: Subject + ist + für [person] + adjective.

2

Ist das Brot unverträglich?

Is the bread intolerant (for someone)?

Question form of a simple adjective sentence.

3

Ich bin laktoseunverträglich.

I am lactose intolerant.

Compound word: Laktose + unverträglich.

4

Das ist ein unverträgliches Essen.

That is an intolerant food.

Attributive use with 'ein' (neuter ending -es).

5

Nüsse sind oft unverträglich.

Nuts are often intolerant.

Plural subject with plural verb 'sind'.

6

Ich habe eine Unverträglichkeit.

I have an intolerance.

Noun form with feminine article 'eine'.

7

Kein Käse, ich bin unverträglich.

No cheese, I am intolerant.

Short, colloquial explanation.

8

Ist dieses Medikament unverträglich?

Is this medicine incompatible?

Using 'unverträglich' for medicine.

1

Dieses Medikament ist unverträglich mit Alkohol.

This medicine is incompatible with alcohol.

Use of 'mit' to show what it clashes with.

2

Er ist ein unverträglicher Nachbar.

He is a quarrelsome neighbor.

Attributive use (masculine ending -er).

3

Haben Sie eine Unverträglichkeit gegen Meeresfrüchte?

Do you have an intolerance to seafood?

Noun + 'gegen' + accusative.

4

Die beiden Katzen sind unverträglich.

The two cats are incompatible.

Describing social incompatibility between animals.

5

Ich vertrage keine Zwiebeln, sie sind unverträglich.

I don't tolerate onions, they are incompatible.

Linking the verb 'vertragen' with the adjective.

6

Gibt es hier unverträgliche Inhaltsstoffe?

Are there any incompatible ingredients here?

Plural attributive use.

7

Mein Magen ist unverträglich gegen Fett.

My stomach is intolerant to fat.

Personifying the stomach as the subject.

8

Diese Farben sind miteinander unverträglich.

These colors are incompatible with each other.

Using 'miteinander' for mutual incompatibility.

1

Wegen seiner unverträglichen Art hat er kaum Freunde.

Because of his quarrelsome nature, he has hardly any friends.

Genitive case after 'wegen'.

2

Die Software ist leider unverträglich mit meinem System.

The software is unfortunately incompatible with my system.

Technical context.

3

Es ist wichtig, Unverträglichkeiten vor der Operation zu prüfen.

It is important to check for intolerances before the surgery.

Infinitive clause with 'zu'.

4

Ein unverträglicher Kollege kann das ganze Team stören.

A quarrelsome colleague can disturb the whole team.

Modal verb 'kann' with infinitive 'stören'.

5

Manche Stoffe sind chemisch unverträglich.

Some substances are chemically incompatible.

Adverbial use of 'chemisch'.

6

Ich suche nach Brot für Menschen mit Glutenunverträglichkeit.

I am looking for bread for people with gluten intolerance.

Dative after 'mit'.

7

Die Forderungen sind mit dem Budget unverträglich.

The demands are incompatible with the budget.

Abstract usage (finance).

8

Sie verhielten sich im Urlaub sehr unverträglich.

They behaved very quarrelsomely on vacation.

Adverbial use describing behavior.

1

Die neuen Sicherheitsregeln sind mit dem alten Gesetz unverträglich.

The new safety rules are incompatible with the old law.

Formal legal context.

2

Charakterliche Unverträglichkeit ist ein häufiger Scheidungsgrund.

Character incompatibility is a frequent reason for divorce.

Adjectival noun phrase.

3

Diese beiden chemischen Lösungen sind hochgradig unverträglich.

These two chemical solutions are highly incompatible.

Use of intensifier 'hochgradig'.

4

Seine politischen Ansichten sind mit seinem Beruf unverträglich.

His political views are incompatible with his profession.

Describing a conflict of interest.

5

Wir müssen prüfen, ob die Wirkstoffe miteinander unverträglich sind.

We must check if the active ingredients are incompatible with each other.

Indirect question with 'ob'.

6

Die Ziele des Naturschutzes sind oft unverträglich mit der Industrie.

Nature conservation goals are often incompatible with industry.

Societal/Political context.

7

Ein unverträglicher Zeitgenosse macht sich selten beliebt.

A quarrelsome contemporary (person) rarely makes themselves popular.

Using 'Zeitgenosse' as a noun for person.

8

Die Testergebnisse waren mit der Theorie unverträglich.

The test results were incompatible with the theory.

Scientific context.

1

Die fundamentale Unverträglichkeit ihrer Lebensentwürfe führte zur Trennung.

The fundamental incompatibility of their life plans led to the separation.

Complex noun phrase with genitive.

2

In der Philosophie wird oft über die Unverträglichkeit von Freiheit und Determinismus debattiert.

In philosophy, the incompatibility of freedom and determinism is often debated.

Passive voice and abstract nouns.

3

Diese Substanzen erweisen sich als unverträglich in dieser Konzentration.

These substances prove to be incompatible in this concentration.

Verb 'erweisen sich als' + adjective.

4

Die Unverträglichkeit von Amt und Mandat ist gesetzlich geregelt.

The incompatibility of office and mandate is regulated by law.

Legal terminology.

5

Er gilt als einer der unverträglichsten Autoren seiner Zeit.

He is considered one of the most quarrelsome authors of his time.

Superlative form 'unverträglichsten'.

6

Ökologisch gesehen sind diese beiden Arten in diesem Habitat unverträglich.

Ecologically speaking, these two species are incompatible in this habitat.

Participial construction 'Ökologisch gesehen'.

7

Die Unverträglichkeit der Zeugenaussagen machte den Prozess schwierig.

The incompatibility of the witness statements made the trial difficult.

Genitive plural.

8

Seine Arroganz wirkte auf seine Kollegen äußerst unverträglich.

His arrogance seemed extremely abrasive to his colleagues.

Adjective used with 'wirken auf'.

1

Die ontologische Unverträglichkeit dieser Konzepte entzieht sich einer einfachen Synthese.

The ontological incompatibility of these concepts eludes a simple synthesis.

High-level academic vocabulary.

2

Es besteht eine eklatante Unverträglichkeit zwischen Anspruch und Wirklichkeit.

There is a glaring incompatibility between aspiration and reality.

Idiomatic expression 'Anspruch und Wirklichkeit'.

3

Das Werk thematisiert die Unverträglichkeit individueller Freiheit mit gesellschaftlichem Zwang.

The work addresses the incompatibility of individual freedom with societal coercion.

Literary analysis terminology.

4

Die chemische Unverträglichkeit der Komponenten bedingt eine getrennte Lagerung.

The chemical incompatibility of the components necessitates separate storage.

Verb 'bedingen' (to necessitate/cause).

5

In seinem Spätwerk zeigt sich eine zunehmende Unverträglichkeit gegenüber jeglicher Form von Kritik.

In his late work, an increasing intolerance toward any form of criticism is evident.

Complex prepositional phrase.

6

Die Unverträglichkeit der verschiedenen Rechtsordnungen stellt ein Hindernis für die Globalisierung dar.

The incompatibility of different legal systems represents an obstacle to globalization.

Separable verb 'darstellen'.

7

Man attestierte ihm eine pathologische Unverträglichkeit.

He was diagnosed with a pathological quarrelsome nature.

Formal verb 'attestieren'.

8

Diese Paradoxien sind mit einer rationalen Logik unverträglich.

These paradoxes are incompatible with rational logic.

Philosophical context.

Colocações comuns

laktoseunverträglich
charakterlich unverträglich
chemisch unverträglich
unverträgliches Medikament
miteinander unverträglich
unverträgliche Forderungen
unverträglicher Zeitgenosse
extrem unverträglich
unverträglich gegen Gluten
unverträglich mit dem Grundgesetz

Frases Comuns

etwas ist für jemanden unverträglich

— Something causes a bad reaction in someone.

Zwiebeln sind für mich unverträglich.

unverträglich reagieren

— To have a bad reaction to something.

Sein Körper reagiert unverträglich auf das Mittel.

zwei Personen sind unverträglich

— Two people cannot get along.

Die beiden sind einfach unverträglich.

eine Unverträglichkeit feststellen

— To diagnose an intolerance.

Der Arzt stellte eine Unverträglichkeit fest.

unverträgliche Wirkstoffe

— Active ingredients that clash.

Achten Sie auf unverträgliche Wirkstoffe.

sozial unverträglich

— Antisocial or difficult in social settings.

Sein Verhalten war sozial unverträglich.

unverträglich sein mit...

— To be incompatible with something.

Das ist unverträglich mit meinen Werten.

eine Nahrungsmittelunverträglichkeit

— A food intolerance.

Er leidet an einer Nahrungsmittelunverträglichkeit.

unverträgliche Charaktere

— Personalities that clash.

Es waren zwei unverträgliche Charaktere.

unverträglich gegenüber Kritik

— Unable to handle criticism.

Er ist sehr unverträglich gegenüber Kritik.

Frequentemente confundido com

unverträglich vs unerträglich

Means 'unbearable' (pain/heat). 'Unverträglich' means 'incompatible'.

unverträglich vs allergisch

Immune response vs. metabolic/social clash.

unverträglich vs intolerant

Mostly used for ideology/opinions in German.

Expressões idiomáticas

"wie Hund und Katze sein"

— To be like cats and dogs (socially incompatible).

Die Geschwister sind wie Hund und Katze.

informal
"Öl und Wasser sein"

— Like oil and water (completely incompatible).

Ihre Ideen sind wie Öl und Wasser.

neutral
"auf Kriegsfuß stehen"

— To be on a war footing (constantly arguing).

Er steht mit seinem Chef auf Kriegsfuß.

informal
"das beißt sich"

— That bites itself (things that clash, like colors).

Die Farben beißen sich.

informal
"nicht grün sein"

— Not to be green with someone (not getting along).

Sie sind sich nicht grün.

informal
"ananeinander vorbeireden"

— To talk past each other (conceptual incompatibility).

Wir reden völlig aneinander vorbei.

neutral
"einen schweren Stand haben"

— To have a difficult position (often due to being unverträglich).

Er hat im Team einen schweren Stand.

neutral
"quer im Stall stehen"

— To stand sideways in the stable (to be difficult/obstinate).

Er steht immer quer im Stall.

informal
"Gift für etwas sein"

— To be poison for something (highly incompatible).

Sein Ego ist Gift für das Team.

neutral
"nicht zusammenpassen"

— To not fit together.

Diese Teile passen nicht zusammen.

neutral

Fácil de confundir

unverträglich vs unbekömmlich

Both relate to food not sitting well.

Unbekömmlich is for food that is heavy or slightly bad for anyone. Unverträglich is a specific condition.

Das fettige Essen war unbekömmlich.

unverträglich vs unvereinbar

Both mean incompatible.

Unvereinbar is more abstract/formal (ideas/laws). Unverträglich is more physical/personal.

Diese Ziele sind unvereinbar.

unverträglich vs streitsüchtig

Both describe difficult people.

Streitsüchtig means they look for fights. Unverträglich just means they don't fit in.

Er ist ein streitsüchtiger Mensch.

unverträglich vs eklig

Both are negative about food.

Eklig is 'disgusting'. Unverträglich is 'makes me sick'.

Die alte Milch ist eklig.

unverträglich vs kompliziert

Used for people.

Kompliziert means hard to understand. Unverträglich means hard to coexist with.

Sie ist eine komplizierte Frau.

Padrões de frases

A1

Ich bin [Substanz]-unverträglich.

Ich bin glutenunverträglich.

A2

Das ist unverträglich mit [Dativ].

Das ist unverträglich mit Bier.

B1

Wegen [Genitiv] ist er unverträglich.

Wegen seines Stresses ist er unverträglich.

B2

Es besteht eine Unverträglichkeit zwischen X und Y.

Es besteht eine Unverträglichkeit zwischen den Programmen.

C1

X erweist sich als unverträglich gegenüber Y.

Die Theorie erweist sich als unverträglich gegenüber der Praxis.

C2

Die inhärente Unverträglichkeit von...

Die inhärente Unverträglichkeit von Macht und Moral.

B1

[Person] ist ein unverträglicher Typ.

Mein Chef ist ein unverträglicher Typ.

A2

Sind diese Tabletten unverträglich?

Sind diese Tabletten unverträglich?

Família de palavras

Substantivos

die Unverträglichkeit
die Verträglichkeit
der Vertrag
der Vertragspartner

Verbos

vertragen
sich vertragen
beantragen
übertragen

Adjetivos

verträglich
erträglich
unerträglich
vertragsgemäß

Relacionado

Allergie
Inkompatibilität
Konflikt
Abstoßung
Widerstand

Como usar

frequency

Common in medical and organizational contexts.

Erros comuns
  • Ich bin unverträglich ZU Milch. Ich bin unverträglich GEGEN Milch.

    The preposition 'zu' is incorrect; use 'gegen' for substances.

  • Er ist ein unerträglicher Kollege. Er ist ein unverträglicher Kollege.

    'Unerträglich' means 'unbearable' (too loud/hot). 'Unverträglich' means he doesn't get along with others.

  • Laktose-Allergie Laktoseunverträglichkeit

    Lactose issues are usually an intolerance, not an allergy. Using the right word shows medical precision.

  • unverträgliche Farben sich beißende Farben

    While 'unverträglich' is understood, 'sich beißende Farben' is the more idiomatic way to describe clashing colors.

  • Ich bin laktoseunverträglich. Ich habe eine Laktoseunverträglichkeit.

    Both are okay, but the noun version is more common in formal medical contexts.

Dicas

Adjective Endings

Remember to add the correct ending: 'ein unverträglichER Mann', 'eine unverträglichE Frau'.

Food Labels

Look for the word 'Unverträglichkeit' on the back of German food packages to find allergen info.

Teamwork

If someone is 'unverträglich', they are often described as 'nicht teamfähig' in job references.

Pharmacy

Always ask 'Gibt es Unverträglichkeiten mit anderen Medikamenten?' when getting a prescription.

The 'CH'

The 'ch' in 'unverträglich' is soft, like the 'h' in 'human'. Don't make it a 'k'.

Compound Nouns

Germans love long words. 'Laktoseunverträglichkeit' is just one word. Don't add spaces.

Dining Out

Don't be shy to mention your 'Unverträglichkeit' in Germany; it is very common and respected.

Compatibility

Use 'unverträglich' for any two things that clash, like 'red and pink' or 'freedom and prison'.

B1 Exam Tip

This word often appears in the 'Health' or 'Work' sections of the B1 German exam.

Better than 'schlecht'

Use 'unverträglich' instead of 'schlecht' to sound more precise and advanced.

Memorize

Mnemônico

Think of 'UN-' (not) + 'VERTRAGEN' (to tolerate). If you can't tolerate it, it's 'UN-VERTRÄG-LICH'.

Associação visual

Imagine a person holding their stomach (food intolerance) while arguing with a neighbor (social incompatibility).

Word Web

Laktose Gluten Charakter Medikament Chemie Streit Magen Inkompatibel

Desafio

Try to use 'unverträglich' in three different ways today: once for food, once for a person, and once for a situation.

Origem da palavra

From Middle High German 'vertragen' (to endure, to bear). The prefix 'un-' was added to negate the quality, and '-lich' created the adjective.

Significado original: Originally meant 'unbearable' or 'something that cannot be carried together'.

Germanic.

Contexto cultural

Calling someone 'unverträglich' can be perceived as a personal insult or a professional critique of their teamwork skills.

English speakers often say 'I'm allergic' even for simple intolerances; Germans are more precise.

The character of 'Hanswurst' in old German theater was often unverträglich. Schopenhauer's philosophy on the 'unverträglich' nature of human existence. Medical journals on the rise of 'Zivilisationskrankheiten' like food intolerances.

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

At the Doctor

  • Ich habe eine Unverträglichkeit.
  • Ist das Medikament unverträglich?
  • Gibt es Nebenwirkungen?
  • Ich vertrage das nicht.

At a Restaurant

  • Ist dieses Gericht laktosefrei?
  • Ich bin unverträglich gegen Nüsse.
  • Können Sie das ohne Zwiebeln machen?
  • Haben Sie eine Allergiker-Karte?

In the Office

  • Wir müssen im Team zusammenarbeiten.
  • Er verhält sich unverträglich.
  • Es gibt Spannungen.
  • Die Ziele sind unverträglich.

In Chemistry/Lab

  • Gefahr der Unverträglichkeit.
  • Stoffe nicht mischen.
  • Chemische Reaktion.
  • Inkompatible Substanzen.

Legal/Politics

  • Unverträglich mit dem Gesetz.
  • Interessenkonflikt.
  • Nicht vereinbar.
  • Rechtliche Prüfung.

Iniciadores de conversa

"Haben Sie irgendwelche Nahrungsmittelunverträglichkeiten?"

"Warum glaubst du, dass die beiden Kollegen so unverträglich sind?"

"Ist Kaffee für dich am Abend auch unverträglich?"

"Glaubst du, dass manche Menschen von Natur aus unverträglich sind?"

"Was machst du, wenn ein Medikament für dich unverträglich ist?"

Temas para diário

Schreibe über eine Situation, in der du dich mit jemandem unverträglich gefühlt hast.

Welche Lebensmittel sind für dich unverträglich und wie gehst du damit um?

Diskutiere, ob zwei unverträgliche Charaktere trotzdem gute Arbeit leisten können.

Beschreibe die Symptome einer Laktoseunverträglichkeit auf Deutsch.

Ist moderne Technik manchmal unverträglich mit einem ruhigen Leben?

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

No, you would use 'unerträglich' (unbearable) or 'unangenehm' (unpleasant) for a smell. 'Unverträglich' is about compatibility.

Yes, it is widely used and understood, but 'Laktoseunverträglichkeit' is the more traditional medical term.

'Un-' is the Germanic prefix, 'In-' is the Latin one. 'Inkompatibel' sounds more technical than 'unverträglich'.

You say: 'Ich habe eine Nahrungsmittelunverträglichkeit' or 'Ich bin gegen [Substanz] unverträglich'.

Yes, if two dogs fight constantly, they are 'unverträglich miteinander'.

Yes, it is a negative judgment of their character. It's like calling someone 'impossible to work with'.

Use 'mit'. 'Dieses Medikament ist unverträglich mit anderen Mitteln.'

Not exactly. An allergy involves the immune system. An intolerance (Unverträglichkeit) usually involves digestion or general clashing.

Yes, very common in everyday life, especially regarding health and workplace dynamics.

Yes, 'unverträglich mit der Verfassung' means it goes against the constitution.

Teste-se 180 perguntas

writing

Write: 'Milk is bad for me (intolerant).'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Write: 'I have a lactose intolerance.'

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Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Write: 'He is a very quarrelsome person.'

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Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Write: 'The chemicals are incompatible.'

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Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Write: 'The witness statements were incompatible.'

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Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Write: 'No nuts, please.' (using the word)

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Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Write: 'Is this medicine compatible with alcohol?' (negated)

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Write: 'My neighbor is difficult to get along with.'

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Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Write: 'These rules clash with the law.'

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Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Write: 'There is a fundamental incompatibility.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Write: 'I am gluten intolerant.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Write: 'The colleagues are incompatible.'

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Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Write: 'They behaved quarrelsomely.'

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Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Write: 'The software is incompatible with the system.'

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Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Write: 'Is bread okay?' (asking about intolerance)

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Write: 'I don't tolerate onions.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Write: 'He is a difficult contemporary.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Write: 'The goals are incompatible.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Write: 'Ecologically incompatible species.'

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Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Write: 'Glaring incompatibility between claim and reality.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Say: 'Ich bin unverträglich.'

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Say: 'Laktoseunverträglichkeit.'

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Say: 'Ein unverträglicher Mensch.'

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Say: 'Miteinander unverträglich.'

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Say: 'Die Unverträglichkeit der Zeugenaussagen.'

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Say: 'Milch ist unverträglich.'

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Say: 'Unverträglich mit Alkohol.'

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Say: 'Glutenunverträglichkeit.'

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Say: 'Charakterliche Unverträglichkeit.'

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Say: 'Fundamentale Unverträglichkeit.'

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

Listen and write the word: [unverträglich]

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

Listen and write: [Laktoseunverträglichkeit]

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

Listen and write: [unverträglicher Kollege]

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

Listen and write: [miteinander unverträglich]

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

Listen and write: [Unverträglichkeit von Amt und Mandat]

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Write: 'Incompatible with the basic law.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Say: 'Ich habe eine Unverträglichkeit.'

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Write: 'Is coffee bad for you?' (using word)

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Say: 'Chemisch unverträglich.'

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

Listen: [Milch ist unverträglich]

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Write: 'A quarrelsome contemporary.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Say: 'Un-ver-träg-lich.'

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

Listen: [Unverträglichkeit]

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Write: 'The ontological incompatibility.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Say: 'Wegen der Unverträglichkeit.'

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

Listen: [Charakterlich unverträglich]

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:

/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

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