Zwischenfälle

Zwischenfälle is a German noun in the plural form used to describe unexpected or disruptive events that occur during the course of an operation, procedure, or activity, or in the interval between planned moments. It is commonly employed in journalism, administration, and technical reporting to denote incidents that interrupt normal proceedings but are not necessarily classified as accidents.

Etymology: The word derives from between (zwischen) and fall (Fall), meaning a case or incident.

Usage and domains: In aviation, rail and maritime contexts, border control, or military operations, Zwischenfälle refer to safety-related occurrences such as equipment failures, near misses, or procedural deviations. In diplomacy, business, and everyday language, the term can describe interruptions or glitches within negotiations, workflows, or events. The singular form is Zwischenfall, and the plural Zwischenfälle is used when several such incidents are discussed.

See also: Zwischenfall.