Dictionary
zweideutig
German → American English
American English
ambiguous
Having two possible meanings; ambiguous or suggestive.
Seine Antwort war zweideutig und ließ Raum für Missverständnisse.Use zweideutig for something that can be understood in two ways, often with an intentional hint of double meaning. It is common for speech, remarks, and expressions; for clearly unclear situations, mehrdeutig or unklar may fit better.
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Frequently asked questions
What does "zweideutig" mean in English?
"Zweideutig" means "ambiguous" or "double-meaning."
Is "zweideutig" the same as "mehrdeutig"?
They are close, but "zweideutig" often suggests exactly two possible meanings, sometimes with an intentional double entendre, while "mehrdeutig" means having several meanings.
How do you use "zweideutig" in a sentence?
Example: "Sein Kommentar war zweideutig." = "His comment was ambiguous."
Can "zweideutig" have a negative meaning?
Yes. It can describe something unclear, but it can also imply a suggestive or slightly improper double meaning depending on context.