mit Absicht
On purpose
Literalmente: with intention
Use `mit Absicht` to clarify that an action was a deliberate choice, not a mistake.
En 15 segundos
- Use it to say something was done intentionally.
- The direct opposite of 'aus Versehen' (by accident).
- Works in both casual chats and professional meetings.
Significado
This phrase is used to describe an action done intentionally rather than by accident. It is the German way of saying someone did something 'on purpose' or 'deliberately'.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6Teasing a friend who 'accidentally' ate your fries
Du hast meine Pommes mit Absicht gegessen!
You ate my fries on purpose!
Clarifying a mistake at work
Das war nicht mit Absicht, ich habe die E-Mail übersehen.
That wasn't on purpose; I overlooked the email.
Texting a partner about a late reply
Ich habe nicht mit Absicht so spät geantwortet.
I didn't reply late on purpose.
Contexto cultural
In Germany, the distinction between intent and accident is crucial for social harmony. The phrase reflects a culture that values clarity and accountability in personal interactions. Legally, the concept of 'Vorsatz' (intent) is a pillar of the German penal code, making this everyday phrase a simplified cousin of a heavy legal concept.
The 'Not' Rule
To say 'not on purpose', simply add 'nicht' before the phrase: 'nicht mit Absicht'. It's the easiest way to apologize!
Watch Your Tone
Saying 'Das hast du mit Absicht gemacht!' can sound like a fight-starter. Use a soft voice if you're just joking.
En 15 segundos
- Use it to say something was done intentionally.
- The direct opposite of 'aus Versehen' (by accident).
- Works in both casual chats and professional meetings.
What It Means
mit Absicht is your go-to phrase for intentionality. It tells everyone that an action was a choice. It is the direct opposite of aus Versehen, which means 'by accident'. Use it when you want to clarify motivation. It turns a simple action into a planned event.
How To Use It
You usually place mit Absicht after the verb. It functions like an adverb in English. For example, Er hat das mit Absicht getan. This means 'He did that on purpose'. It is very flexible in sentence structure. You can use it in past, present, or future tenses. It sounds natural in almost any conversation.
When To Use It
Use it when someone eats your sandwich at work. Use it when a friend ignores your text message. It is perfect for playful teasing among friends. You might say, Hast du das mit Absicht gemacht? with a wink. It also works in serious discussions about mistakes. It helps clarify if a person meant to cause trouble. In a meeting, use it to highlight a strategic choice.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using it for natural occurrences. You wouldn't say the rain falls mit Absicht. Do not use it for involuntary physical reactions. Sneezing is rarely done mit Absicht. If you are in a very high-level legal setting, use vorsätzlich. That word is more technical and precise for law. For everyday life, mit Absicht is much better.
Cultural Background
German culture often emphasizes personal responsibility and directness. Using mit Absicht can sound quite accusatory if your tone is sharp. Germans appreciate knowing the 'Why' behind an action. If you do something wrong, clarify if it was intentional. Admitting a mistake was NOT mit Absicht can de-escalate a fight. It shows you value the other person's feelings.
Common Variations
You will often hear the adverb absichtlich. It means exactly the same thing as mit Absicht. Another common variation is voller Absicht, which means 'with full intent'. This adds extra emphasis to the action. If someone is being extra stubborn, you might hear mit voller Absicht. It makes the statement sound much stronger and more certain.
Notas de uso
The phrase is highly versatile and fits into almost any register. Just remember that 'mit' triggers the dative case, though 'Absicht' is a feminine noun and doesn't change its ending here.
The 'Not' Rule
To say 'not on purpose', simply add 'nicht' before the phrase: 'nicht mit Absicht'. It's the easiest way to apologize!
Watch Your Tone
Saying 'Das hast du mit Absicht gemacht!' can sound like a fight-starter. Use a soft voice if you're just joking.
The Legal Cousin
In German law, 'mit Absicht' is the highest form of intent. If you're in court, use 'Vorsatz', but for a spilled beer, stick to 'Absicht'.
Ejemplos
6Du hast meine Pommes mit Absicht gegessen!
You ate my fries on purpose!
A classic playful accusation among friends.
Das war nicht mit Absicht, ich habe die E-Mail übersehen.
That wasn't on purpose; I overlooked the email.
Useful for de-escalating tension in a professional setting.
Ich habe nicht mit Absicht so spät geantwortet.
I didn't reply late on purpose.
Softens the blow of a delayed response.
Wir haben diese Farbe mit Absicht gewählt.
We chose this color on purpose.
Shows confidence in a design or business choice.
Hast du das mit Absicht gemacht?
Did you do that on purpose?
A common parental question to gauge intent.
Das war ein Foul mit Absicht.
That was an intentional foul.
Used to describe sports behavior.
Ponte a prueba
Choose the correct phrase to complete the sentence.
Entschuldigung! Ich habe dich nicht ___ gestoßen.
The speaker is apologizing for bumping into someone, so they want to say it wasn't 'on purpose'.
How would you tell a friend they ignored you intentionally?
Du hast mich ___ ignoriert, oder?
'mit Absicht' fits the context of accusing someone of intentional behavior.
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Formality Spectrum of 'mit Absicht'
Used with friends for teasing or small mistakes.
Hast du mich mit Absicht gekitzelt?
Standard way to describe intent in daily life.
Er hat das Fenster mit Absicht offen gelassen.
Used in work contexts to explain decisions.
Wir haben die Preise mit Absicht stabil gehalten.
When to say 'mit Absicht'
At a Restaurant
The waiter forgot the salt on purpose? No way!
Office Politics
She didn't invite him to the meeting on purpose.
Sports
He tripped the runner on purpose.
Dating
Did you leave your scarf at my house on purpose?
Preguntas frecuentes
11 preguntasIt means 'on purpose' or 'intentionally'. Use it when someone does something by choice, like Er hat das mit Absicht gemacht.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss, your best friend, or a stranger on the street.
The opposite is aus Versehen, which means 'by accident'. Use it when you spill coffee or trip.
Yes, absichtlich is an adverb that means the same thing. Er hat es absichtlich getan is perfectly correct.
Just say nicht mit Absicht. For example: Ich habe das nicht mit Absicht gemacht (I didn't do that on purpose).
It depends on your tone. It can be a neutral observation or a sharp accusation if you sound angry.
Usually after the verb or at the end of the clause. For example: Sie kam mit Absicht zu spät.
That is a more formal, legal term for 'premeditated'. You'll hear it in news reports about crimes, not usually at dinner.
Absolutely! You can say Ich habe das Geschenk mit Absicht versteckt (I hid the gift on purpose).
No, mit Absicht is a fixed phrase. It never changes its form, making it very easy to learn.
It means 'with full intent'. It is a stronger version of the phrase used for emphasis.
Frases relacionadas
aus Versehen
by accident
absichtlich
intentionally / deliberately
mit voller Absicht
with full intent / very much on purpose
Vorsatz
intent (legal term)
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