German word

Fehler

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈfeːlɐ/

Meaning

  • masculine nounmistake

Example

Ich habe einen Fehler gemacht.

I made a mistake.

Illustration for Fehler (mistake)

More examples

Ich wollte den Fehler schnell korrigieren.

I wanted to correct the mistake quickly.

Core concept

One incorrect detail or move stands out against the intended pattern, whether it affects a machine, a text, or an action.

Common phrases

  • einen Fehler machen

    make a mistake

  • den Fehler korrigieren

    correct the mistake

Similar words

Irrtum: A mistaken belief or judgment that does not match the facts.
Versehen: An oversight or slip caused by inattention.
Missgeschick: A small failure caused by carelessness or chance.
Defekt: A broken part or condition that prevents a machine or object from working properly.

Definition in German

Ein Mangel oder eine falsche Handlung, durch die etwas nicht wie vorgesehen ist.

Word origin

Fehler is an inherited German noun from Middle High German veler, related to the verb fehlen and broadened from a lack or defect to an error in action.

Usage tips

  • Fehler often names an incorrect action or a defect, while Irrtum more specifically names a mistaken belief or judgment.

Other meanings

  • errornoun
  • defectnoun

Opposites

  • Richtigkeitcorrectnessnoun
  • Korrektheitcorrectnessnoun

Related words

Word lists with this word