German word

unverbindlich

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈʊnfɛɐ̯bɪntlɪç/

Meaning

  • adjectivenon-binding

Example

Das Angebot ist unverbindlicher als zuvor.

The offer is less binding than before.

Illustration for unverbindlich (non-binding)

More examples

Die Beratung war unverbindlich, deshalb konnten wir offen fragen.

The consultation was non-binding, so we could ask questions openly.

Core concept

An open hand offers an option without tying anyone to it.

Common phrases

  • völlig unverbindlich

    completely non-binding

  • eine unverbindliche Auskunft

    non-binding information

  • bei unverbindlicher Beratung

    during a non-binding consultation

Similar words

verbindlich: Creating a legal or formal obligation for the parties.
obligatorisch: Required by an established rule or regulation.
freiwillig: Done by free choice rather than under compulsion.
ungebunden: Free from a specific commitment, obligation, or restriction.

Definition in German

als höfliche Abschwächung einer Aussage; zeigt keine verbindliche Verpflichtung an

Word origin

The adjective is formed by adding 'un-' to 'verbindlich', an adjective derived from 'verbinden' ('to bind or connect'), creating the opposite sense.

Usage tips

  • An 'unverbindliche Anfrage' requests information without commitment, whereas an 'unverbindliches Angebot' signals that the offer itself is not binding.

Other meanings

  • optionaladjective
  • advisoryadjective

Opposites

Related words

  • Unverbindlichkeitnon-binding naturenoun

Word lists with this word