The real difference between error and mistake

[Melrichs]

What is really the difference between ERROR and MISTAKE? When I talk of a mistake, how will one know if I were rather supposed to talk of an error? Please, contextualise your answer(s) using concrete examples for more understanding.

[Ralf]

This is a wide topic. It all depends on the circumstances. A mistake is usually less severe than an error.

If you commit an error, this is due to miscalculation or misjudgment.

Everybody makes mistakes, because mistakes happen very easily.
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[Atlantis]

According to the textbook I've been using, an error is when a student does something wrong because they haven't been taught the correct way. A mistake is when they have been taught it, but forget or something.

[Barb_D]

I don't think you'll find native speakers differentiating an "error" from a "mistake" based on whether they never knew or just forgot. In sports, and error is a mistake. You refer to a typographical error - I certain know the difference between from and form, but that doesn't keep me from typing one for the other with great frequency.

I don't see an error as being more severe either. I think it's just a more formal word.