Unfall

Unfall is a German noun meaning an unforeseen and unintended event that causes harm or material damage. In everyday usage it covers a wide range of mishaps, from minor bumps to serious injuries. In legal and insurance contexts the term has a more precise scope: an event caused by external factors, that is unplanned, and results in physical injury, disease, or property damage; it is not the result of intentional action.

Common types include transport accidents (Kfz-Unfall, Fahrradunfall, Fußgängerunfall), work-related accidents (Arbeitsunfall), school or childcare accidents (Schul- oder Kita-Unfall), home accidents, and accidents during leisure activities. The term is often contrasted with Schaden (damage) and Verletzung (injury); an Unfall emphasizes the accidental, external trigger rather than the consequences alone.

In Germany the statutory accident insurance covers most work-related, school-related, and commuting accidents; it provides medical care, rehabilitation, and benefits. Employers have duties to prevent accidents and to report them; governing rules are set by the DGUV and related regulations. Private insurance can cover non-covered incidents. In many countries the concept exists with equivalent terms, though the framework varies.

Accident data are collected by authorities and insurance systems to inform prevention efforts. Prevention measures include safety training, protective equipment, hazard assessment, and traffic safety programs.

Etymology: Unfall is related to the verb fallen (to fall). The word is widely used in everyday language as well as in legal, medical, and insurance contexts.