German word

Vorfall

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈfoːɐ̯fal/

Meaning

  • masculine nounevent

Example

Kannst du mir den Vorfall beschreiben?

Can you describe the event to me?

Illustration for Vorfall (event)

More examples

Zeugen beschrieben einen ungewöhnlichen Vorfall in der Nacht.

Witnesses described an unusual incident at night.

Core concept

An unexpected occurrence comes to attention because it may need investigation or action.

Common phrases

  • ein schwerwiegender Vorfall

    a serious incident

  • einen Vorfall melden

    report an incident

  • ein ungewöhnlicher Vorfall

    an unusual incident

Similar words

Ereignis: An occurrence that may have either positive or negative significance.
Zwischenfall: An unexpected event involving a small problem or trouble.
Unfall: An event in which people or property suffer harm.
Geschehen: What has happened, including the course of events as it unfolds.

Definition in German

Ein Vorfall ist ein überraschend auftretendes Ereignis, das oft Klärung oder Reaktion erfordert.

Word origin

Vorfall is formed from the verb vorfallen, combining vor ('before' or 'forth') with fallen ('to fall'); in modern German, vorfallen means 'to happen'.

Usage tips

  • Vorfall is masculine, and its plural is Vorfälle, with an umlaut.

Other meanings

  • incidentnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • Vorfallserieseries of incidentsnoun
  • vorfallenoccurverb

Word lists with this word