absichtlich

Absichtlich is a German adverb meaning deliberately, intentionally, or done on purpose. It describes actions that are carried out with awareness of their consequences and with a planned or desired outcome in mind. The opposite is unabsichtlich (unintentionally); zufällig denotes something that happens by chance.

Etymology and form: Absichtlich derives from Absicht, the noun for intention, with the suffix -lich. In everyday language it functions primarily as an adverb: “Ich habe es absichtlich gemacht.” The related adjective form is absichtliche, as in eine absichtliche Handlung, which describes a deliberate action.

Usage and nuance: Absichtlich conveys a clear intention and a deliberated choice, and it often carries a Moral or evaluative tone, especially when accusing someone of wrongdoing. It is common in both spoken and written German. It can be contrasted with unabsichtlich (without intention) or with zufällig (by chance). In legal or formal contexts, the term vorsätzlich is used to indicate intentional conduct with awareness of the consequences; absichtlich is more general and colloquial.

Examples:

- Ich habe es absichtlich gemacht.

- Er hat absichtlich gelogen.

- Die Behörde wirft ihm eine absichtliche Täuschung vor.

See also: Absicht (the noun), unabsichtlich, absichtsvoll (a less common synonym for deliberate), vorsätzlich (legal-technical nuance).

Notes on translation: In English, absichtlich is typically translated as deliberately or intentionally; the choice of equivalent can depend on context and tone, with vorsätzlich capturing a more formal or juridical sense.