German Conversation · Level 130
45 words
German word
absichtlich
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈapˌzɪçtlɪç/
Meaning
- adverbon purpose
Example
Er hat es absichtlich gemacht.
He did it on purpose.
More examples
Sie hat die Information absichtlich verschwiegen.
She withheld the information on purpose.
Core concept
An action carried out with a clear aim rather than through an accident.
Common phrases
jemanden absichtlich verletzen
hurt someone on purpose
Informationen absichtlich verschweigen
withhold information on purpose
eine Aussage absichtlich verdrehen
distort a statement on purpose
Similar words
bewusst: Done knowingly and with awareness of what is happening.
willentlich: Done willingly as a result of one's own decision.
gezielt: Directed toward a definite goal or target.
versehentlich: Occurring unintentionally through a mistake or mishap.
Definition in German
mit Absicht handeln; etwas bewusst und nicht zufällig tun.
Word origin
Absichtlich developed from Absicht, 'intention', by adding the suffix -lich; its adverbial use marks purposeful conduct.
Usage tips
- Absichtlich is neutral in register, while vorsätzlich is more formal and often refers to deliberate wrongdoing, especially in legal contexts.
Other meanings
- intentionallyadverb
- deliberatelyadverb
Opposites
- unabsichtlichunintentionallyadverb
Related words
- Absichtintentionnoun
- absichtslosunintentionaladjective