German word

versehentlich

Pronunciation

IPA/fɛɐ̯ˈzeːəntlɪç/

Meaning

  • adverbby mistake

Example

Ich habe versehentlich dein Buch mitgenommen.

I took your book with me by mistake.

Illustration for versehentlich (by mistake)

More examples

Er hat versehentlich seinen Kaffee über das Manuskript geschüttet.

He accidentally spilled his coffee over the manuscript.

Core concept

A hand picks up the wrong book without intending to, and the unintended result is already complete.

Common phrases

  • eine E-Mail versehentlich verschicken

    send an email by mistake

  • die falsche Nummer versehentlich wählen

    dial the wrong number by mistake

  • Informationen versehentlich freigeben

    disclose information by mistake

Similar words

unabsichtlich: Without deliberate intent behind the action or result.
aus Versehen: Accidentally, in ordinary casual speech.
irrtümlich: As a result of mistaken judgment or understanding.
fälschlicherweise: In error, due to incorrect information or a false assumption.

Definition in German

Ohne Absicht geschehen; nicht beabsichtigt auftreten.

Word origin

Versehentlich derives from the noun Versehen, an oversight or mistake, with the suffix -lich meaning related to.

Usage tips

  • Aus Versehen is the common everyday alternative, while versehentlich often sounds more formal or written.

Other meanings

  • inadvertentlyadverb

Opposites

Related words

  • das Versehenmistakenoun

Word lists with this word