noun
mistake, error
A1
Fehler: masculine noun (der Fehler) meaning 'mistake' or 'error'. Common uses: programming error, human mistake. Plural is Fehler (same form). Declension follows regular masculine pattern. No specific prepositions required; common verbs: machen (einen Fehler machen) or entdecken (einen Fehler finden). Also used in technical and everyday contexts.
Examples
Ich habe einen Fehler gemacht.
I made a mistake.
Der Computer zeigt einen Fehler an.
The computer shows an error.
Der Redakteur entdeckte einen Fehler im Text, obwohl der Autor die Version sorgfältig geprüft hatte.
The editor discovered an error in the text, although the author had checked the version carefully.
Details
Mnemonics
picture a red circle marking a mistake on a test
sounds like 'fail-er' — someone who made a mistake
der (masculine) — imagine 'der Fehler' written next to a wrong answer
Notes
'Fehler' is used both for human mistakes and technical errors.