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Zweifel
/ˈt͡svaɪ̯fl̩/
doubt
Ich habe Zweifel an seiner Ehrlichkeit.
I have doubts about his honesty.
neutral
A feeling of uncertainty or lack of conviction about something.
Ohne Zweifel ist er der beste Kandidat.
Without a doubt, he is the best candidate.
Ich zweifle nicht an seinen Fähigkeiten.
I don’t doubt his abilities.
Often used with 'an' + accusative (e.g., Zweifel an jemandem/etwas).
neutral
A specific instance or reason for feeling uncertain.
Das wirft viele Zweifel auf.
That raises many doubts.
Common in legal or formal contexts (e.g., 'Zweifel an der Richtigkeit der Angaben').
Collocations
Zweifel haben an (+ Dat.)to have doubts aboutohne Zweifelwithout a doubtjeden Zweifel ausschließento rule out any doubtin Zweifel ziehento question/doubt
Synonyms
Antonyms
Pro Tip
Common Prepositions with 'Zweifel'
Use 'an' + accusative for doubts about people/things (e.g., 'Zweifel an der Theorie'). For abstract doubts, 'über' + accusative is also possible (e.g., 'Zweifel über die Zukunft').
Gold Rule
Idiomatic Expressions
The phrase 'im Zweifel' means 'if in doubt' or 'if uncertain' (e.g., 'Im Zweifel für den Angeklagten' = 'In dubio pro reo').
Word Origin
From Middle High German *zwīvel*, from Old High German *zwīfal*, from Proto-Germanic *twīfalą* (doubt, uncertainty), related to *zwei* (two) and *fallen* (to fall). The sense of 'two paths' metaphorically evolved into 'uncertainty between options.'
Usage Notes
1. 'Zweifel' is always masculine (der Zweifel). 2. In formal writing, 'Zweifel' often appears in phrases like 'kein Zweifel' (no doubt) or 'im Zweifel' (in case of doubt). 3. Avoid confusing with 'Zweifellos' (undoubtedly) or 'zweifeln' (to doubt, verb).
Word Breakdown
Zwei-
two
root-fel
falling
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