German Conversation · Level 27
90 words
German word
undenkbar
Pronunciation
IPA/ʊnˈdɛŋkbaːɐ̯/
Meaning
- adjectiveunthinkable
Example
Das ist eine undenkbare Idee.
That is an unthinkable idea.
More examples
Eine totale Abschottung des Landes erscheint vielen Menschen völlig undenkbar.
A total isolation of the country seems utterly unthinkable to many people.
Core concept
A thought reaches a sealed boundary, leaving the event outside mental reach.
Common phrases
völlig undenkbar
utterly unthinkable
praktisch undenkbar
virtually unthinkable
für uns undenkbar
unthinkable to us
Similar words
unvorstellbar: So difficult to imagine that no clear mental picture forms.
unmöglich: Not capable of being carried out or becoming real.
unfassbar: Too astonishing or confusing to understand completely.
Definition in German
Ein Adjektiv für etwas, das man sich nicht vorstellen kann.
Word origin
"Undenkbar" is a German formation from "un-" meaning not and "denkbar," the adjective made from "denken" with "-bar" meaning able to be thought.
Usage tips
- Depending on context, "undenkbar" means either unimaginable or impossible, so it need not make a strict claim about logical impossibility.
Other meanings
- unimaginableadjective
- impossibleadjective
Opposites
- denkbarthinkableadjective
- vorstellbarconceivableadjective