German word

fragwürdig

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈfʁaːkˌvʏʁdɪç/

Meaning

  • adjectivequestionable

Example

Das Verhalten des Zeugen ist fragwürdiger als gedacht.

The witness's behavior is more questionable than we thought.

Illustration for fragwürdig (questionable)

More examples

Die Jury wies die fragwürdige Aussage zurück.

The jury rejected the questionable statement.

Core concept

A person or claim stands beneath a question mark, so trust is withheld.

Common phrases

  • fragwürdige Aussage

    questionable statement

  • fragwürdige Methode

    questionable method

Similar words

zweifelhaft: Considered doubtful because the facts or conclusion are not certain.
fraglich: Leaving room for doubt about a result or decision.
dubios: Seeming suspicious because the conduct or circumstances are unclear.
anrüchig: Having a bad reputation and appearing socially improper.

Definition in German

Bezeichnet etwas, das Zweifel oder Misstrauen hervorruft.

Word origin

Fragwürdig combines the stem frag- from fragen, 'to ask', with würdig, 'worthy', giving the literal sense 'worthy of being questioned'.

Usage tips

  • Fragwürdig usually expresses negative doubt, so it often suggests that something is not trustworthy or acceptable, not merely unresolved.

Other meanings

  • dubiousadjective
  • suspiciousadjective

Opposites

Related words

  • Fragwürdigkeitquestionablenessnoun
  • fragwürdigerweisequestionablyadverb

Word lists with this word