Zwischenfall

Zwischenfall is a German noun meaning an incident or occurrence that interrupts a sequence or the normal course of events. The term is formed from Zwischen (between) and Fall (case, event). It is used in formal and informal language to denote a disruption that is noteworthy, but not necessarily catastrophic.

In usage, Zwischenfall denotes a temporary disruption or safety concern. It lies between a minor mishap and a major disaster, and is common in reports about safety, security, or operational interruptions. It is more precise than Ereignis and less charged than Unglück or Katastrophe.

In specific domains, the sense tightens: in transportation such as rail or air travel, a Zwischenfall refers to an event affecting safety or service that requires investigation but is not classified as a major accident. In information technology and service management, the term is sometimes used interchangeably with incident, though many contexts prefer Vorfall or Störung. Example: A Zwischenfall im Zugverkehr caused delays and prompted an investigation.