German word

verwunderlich

Pronunciation

IPA/fɛɐ̯ˈvʊndɐlɪç/

Meaning

  • adjectiveunexpected

Example

Das war das verwunderlichste Erlebnis dieses Jahres.

That was the most unexpected experience of the year.

Illustration for verwunderlich (unexpected)

More examples

Anhand der Fakten erscheint mir das Ergebnis verwunderlich.

Based on the facts, the result seems unexpected to me.

Core concept

A surprising detail that leaves a quiet question mark in the mind.

Common phrases

  • als verwunderlich erscheinen

    appear unexpected

  • höchst verwunderlich

    highly unexpected

Similar words

überraschend: Different from expectations and surprising when it happens.
erstaunlich: Remarkably surprising, often provoking admiration or wonder.
merkwürdig: Odd or unusual enough to cause a sense of unease.
unglaublich: So astonishing that it prompts strong doubt or disbelief.

Definition in German

Etwas, das überraschend ist und Verwunderung auslöst.

Word origin

The adjective verwunderlich derives from verwundern plus -lich, describing something that produces wonder or puzzlement.

Usage tips

  • The pattern Es ist verwunderlich, dass ... is common for commenting on an unexpected fact without sounding highly emotional.

Other meanings

  • strangeadjective
  • astonishingadjective

Opposites

Related words

  • verwundertsurprisedadjective
  • verwundernsurpriseverb

Word lists with this word