das Missverständnis
Translation
misunderstanding, misconception, misapprehension
Examples
Es gab ein kleines Missverständnis.
There was a small misunderstanding.
Das war nur ein Missverständnis, tut mir leid.
That was just a misunderstanding, I'm sorry.
Grammar Patterns
a misunderstanding between sb./sth. ein Missverständnis zwischen j-m/et3 There was a misunderstanding between the two parties.
to clear up a misunderstanding ein Missverständnis aufklären Let's clear up this misunderstanding.
Similar Words
Synonyms: Irrtum (error), Fehlinterpretation (misinterpretation); Antonyms: Verständnis (understanding), Einvernehmen (agreement)
Etymology
Composed of the prefix 'Miss-' (wrong, bad) and 'Verständnis' (understanding). Literally 'wrong understanding'.
Memory Tips
Very similar to the English 'misunderstanding'. The prefix 'Miss-' in German often indicates something negative or incorrect, just like 'mis-' in English.