German Conversation · Level 69
59 words
German word
unmöglich
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈʊnmøːklɪç/
Meaning
- adjectiveimpossible
Example
Es ist unmöglich, das zu schaffen.
It is impossible to accomplish that.
More examples
Viele halten das Vorhaben für unmöglich.
Many consider the project impossible.
Core concept
A locked gate blocks a goal so completely that reaching it seems beyond reality or even belief.
Common phrases
für unmöglich halten
consider impossible
als unmöglich gelten
be considered impossible
Similar words
nicht möglich: Cannot be done or made to work in the present situation.
ausgeschlossen: Judged from the outset to have no chance of success.
undurchführbar: Impossible to put into practice through a planned procedure.
unerreichbar: Unable to be reached or obtained because of physical or limiting conditions.
Definition in German
unmöglich bezeichnet etwas, das nicht geschehen oder erreicht werden kann.
Word origin
Unmöglich combines the negating prefix "un-" with möglich, which developed from Middle High German mügelich and is related to the German verb mögen.
Usage tips
- As an exclamation, "Unmöglich!" can mean "No way!" or "That's unacceptable!", so context determines whether it expresses disbelief or rejection.