German Conversation · Level 100
59 words
German word
unumgänglich
Pronunciation
IPA/ˌʊnʊmˈgɛŋlɪç/
Meaning
- adjectiveunavoidable
Example
Das ist unumgänglich.
That is unavoidable.
More examples
In dieser Branche ist Standardisierung unumgänglich.
Standardization is unavoidable in this industry.
Core concept
A barrier blocks the only route forward, leaving no path around it.
Common phrases
absolut unumgänglich
absolutely unavoidable
rechtlich unumgänglich
legally unavoidable
für viele Fälle unumgänglich
unavoidable in many cases
Similar words
unvermeidlich: Unable to be avoided despite efforts to prevent it.
unausweichlich: Allowing no retreat and offering no means of escape.
zwangsläufig: Bound to happen as a result of the circumstances.
unabwendbar: Beyond prevention, no matter what measures are taken.
Definition in German
So beschaffen, dass es nicht umgangen oder vermieden werden kann.
Word origin
The adjective is formed with un- from umgänglich, which is related to umgehen ('go around'), yielding the sense of something that cannot be bypassed.
Usage tips
- Unumgänglich marks what cannot be avoided, while necessary can simply mean what is required.
Other meanings
- inevitableadjective
- necessaryadjective
Opposites
- vermeidbaravoidableadjective
Related words
- Unumgänglichkeitunavoidabilitynoun