der Zufall
coincidence · chance
Der Zufall means coincidence or chance. It refers to something that happens without an apparent cause or intention. Germans use it to describe both lucky and unlucky random events.
What Zufall means
- coincidence — when two or more events happen at the same time by chance
- chance — when something happens without being planned
Example sentences
- Das war ein glücklicher Zufall.That was a lucky coincidence.
- Wir haben uns durch Zufall kennengelernt.We met by chance.
- Es ist kein Zufall, dass er heute nicht gekommen ist.It's no coincidence that he didn't come today.
Grammar
| Gender | masculine |
|---|---|
| Plural | die Zufälle |
| Genitive | des Zufalls |
| Declension | regular masculine noun: -s in genitive singular, -e in plural |
Zufall is a masculine noun, so it takes 'der' in nominative singular.
Common phrases
- durch Zufallby chance
- ein glücklicher Zufalla lucky coincidence
- per Zufallby accident
- Zufall oder Schicksal?Coincidence or fate?
The mistake English speakers make
English speakers often confuse 'Zufall' with 'Unfall' (accident). 'Zufall' is a coincidence, while 'Unfall' is an accident with negative consequences.
Don’t confuse it with
- der Unfall — Unfall means accident (like a car crash), while Zufall means coincidence or chance.
Questions learners ask
What is the difference between Zufall and Schicksal?
Zufall is random chance, while Schicksal implies a predetermined fate or destiny.
How do you say 'by chance' in German?
You can say 'durch Zufall' or 'zufällig'.