fahrlässig

negligent, careless

adjective FAR-les-ikh Rare

Also means

reckless (in a legal sense)

Usage Note

Fahrlässig has an important legal meaning in German: culpable negligence that falls short of intent. Fahrlässige Körperverletzung (negligent bodily harm) is a criminal offence. In everyday use it means irresponsibly careless, often with serious consequences.

Examples

"Es wäre fahrlässig, die Warnsignale einfach zu ignorieren."

Natural Translation

It would be negligent to simply ignore the warning signs.

Literal Translation

It would be negligent, the warning signs simply to ignore.

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