German word

fahrlässig

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈfaːɐ̯ˌlɛsɪç/

Meaning

  • adjectivecareless

Example

Du warst fahrlässig mit den Schlüsseln.

You were careless with the keys.

Illustration for fahrlässig (careless)

More examples

Ein fahrlässiges Verhalten kann Konsequenzen haben.

Careless behavior can have consequences.

Core concept

A person leaves a preventable danger unattended, causing harm without intending it.

Common phrases

  • ein fahrlässiges Verhalten

    careless behavior

  • ein fahrlässiger Fehler

    careless mistake

  • wegen fahrlässigen Handelns

    because of negligent conduct

Similar words

unachtsam: Not paying enough attention to the surroundings to notice changes or danger.
unvorsichtig: Acting without enough caution and taking avoidable risks.
nachlässig: Neglecting required procedures or consideration, causing problems.
sorglos: Showing too little concern or caution about possible consequences.

Definition in German

nicht absichtlich, sondern infolge von Nachlässigkeit oder fehlender Sorgfalt schadenverursachend

Word origin

Fahrlässig goes back to Middle High German varlâzenlich, built on a verb meaning 'to neglect', and its legal sense developed from this idea.

Usage tips

  • In legal contexts, fahrlässig contrasts with vorsätzlich, meaning intentional; reckless can be stronger in English than negligent.

Other meanings

  • negligentadjective
  • recklessadjective

Opposites

  • vorsichtigcarefuladjective
  • umsichtigprudentadjective

Related words

  • Fahrlässigkeitnegligencenoun
  • fahrlässigerweisecarelesslyadverb

Word lists with this word