unangebracht

Unangebracht is a German adjective used to describe something that is inappropriate, ill-judged, or untimely in a given situation. It is commonly applied to remarks, actions, or behavior that lack tact or propriety and are judged as not fitting the circumstances.

Etymology: The word is formed with the negating prefix un- attached to angebracht, the form meaning appropriate or fitting. The sense is “not appropriate” or “not fitting” in a social or contextual sense. The term carries a neutral to mildly evaluative tone and is widely used in everyday language as well as in formal writing.

Usage: Unangebracht is versatile in both spoken and written German. It describes acts or statements that overstep social norms or decorum, such as a rude comment in a formal setting or a thoughtless question in a sensitive context. Common constructions include Es war unangebracht, so zu sprechen, oder Seine Bemerkung war unangebracht. It can also appear with objects like eine unangebrachte Bemerkung in some contexts, though unangebracht itself is the core form.

Nuance and synonyms: Unangebracht is closely related to unangemessen and unpassend, but it emphasizes lack of tact or suitability to the situation rather than a general deviation from standards. In many contexts, it can be softened or strengthened by qualifiers such as “vollkommen unangebracht” or “äußerst unangebracht,” depending on the degree of inappropriateness.

Translations and usage notes: In English, unangebracht translates as inappropriate, ill-timed, or improper. The term is common in everyday speech as well as in journalism, education, and public discourse when condemning unsuitable remarks or conduct.