German word

harmlos

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈhaɐ̯mloːs/

Meaning

  • adjectiveharmless

Example

Das ist ein harmloser Witz.

That's a harmless joke.

Illustration for harmlos (harmless)

More examples

Er stellte eine harmlose Frage, um das Gespräch zu beginnen.

He asked a harmless question to start the conversation.

Core concept

A person, action, or remark with no harmful edge.

Common phrases

  • harmloser Scherz

    harmless joke

  • harmlose Frage

    harmless question

Similar words

ungefährlich: Posing little or no danger to people or surroundings.
unschädlich: Causing no damage or harmful effects.
unbedenklich: Safe to use without concern about health or social problems.
belanglos: Having little importance or impact.

Definition in German

Ohne böse Absicht; nicht darauf aus, anderen zu schaden; gebräuchlich für Personen, Handlungen oder Worte.

Word origin

The adjective combines Germanic harm, meaning 'harm', with -los, a suffix meaning 'without'.

Usage tips

  • Before a noun, harmlos takes an adjective ending, as in ein harmloser Witz, but it stays harmlos after sein.

Other meanings

  • innocentadjective

Opposites

  • bösartigmaliciousadjective
  • gefährlichdangerousadjective

Related words

  • Harmlosigkeitharmlessnessnoun

Word lists with this word