German word

unschuldig

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈʊnʃʊldɪç/

Meaning

  • adjectiveinnocent

Example

Der Angeklagte ist unschuldig.

The accused is innocent.

Illustration for unschuldig (innocent)

More examples

Viele hielten ihn für unschuldig, bis neue Beweise auftauchten.

Many considered him innocent until new evidence emerged.

Core concept

A person stands free of blame, with no harmful intent and a trusting, childlike manner.

Common phrases

  • für unschuldig halten

    consider ___ innocent

  • unschuldig bleiben

    remain innocent

Similar words

schuldig: Having committed the offense or being responsible for its consequences.
schuldlos: Beyond reproach, with no grounds for attributing fault or responsibility.
naiv: Unsuspecting and trusting because of limited understanding of people's cunning.
ahnungslos: Not informed about the situation and unaware of important surrounding facts.

Definition in German

Nicht schuldig; ohne Vorwurf, im Alltag oft auch im Sinne von naiv oder gutmütig.

Word origin

The adjective combines the negating prefix "un-" with "schuldig", which comes from "Schuld" for debt or guilt.

Usage tips

  • For legal responsibility, the pattern is "unschuldig an" plus the dative, as in "unschuldig an dem Unfall".

Other meanings

  • childlikeadjective
  • harmlessadjective

Opposites

Related words

  • Unschuldsvermutungpresumption of innocencenoun

Word lists with this word