der Umstand, ¨-e
circumstance
Etwas, das eine bestimmte Situation oder Handlung beeinflusst oder beschreibt.
The German word "Umstand" is a masculine noun meaning "circumstance" or "fact".
- It comes from the words "um" (around) and "Stand" (standing, position).
- Together, it implies something that "stands around" or surrounds a situation—i.e., the conditions or factors affecting it.
Similar words:
- Bedingung (condition)
- Faktor (factor)
- Situation (situation)
Differences:
- Umstand typically refers to a surrounding condition influencing an event, often with some formality or emphasis.
- Bedingung focuses more on a specific prerequisite or requirement.
- Faktor highlights an individual element within many others.
- Situation describes the overall state or position at a moment.
In brief: Umstand emphasizes particular influencing circumstances within a broader context.
Make “Umstand” part of your vocabulary.
Build your German vocabulary with flashcards, audio and spaced repetition.
Examples
Unter keinen Umständen darf man lügen.noun
Under no circumstances may one lie.
Der Umstand ist sehr wichtig für die Entscheidung.noun
The circumstance is very important for the decision.
Unter diesen Umständen können wir nicht weitermachen.noun
Under these circumstances, we cannot continue.
Trotz schwieriger Umstände bleibt er optimistisch.noun
Despite difficult circumstances, he remains optimistic.
Die schwierigen Umstände zwangen ihn, seine Pläne zu ändern.noun
The difficult circumstances forced him to change his plans.
Er wunderte sich über die seltsamen Umstände der Geschichte.noun
He was surprised at the strange circumstances of the story.
Keep exploring German
Learn words from the content you love.
Add words from websites, books and videos, then remember them with spaced repetition (SRS).
Scan for iPhone & iPad