German word

Abenteuer

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈaːbn̩ˌtɔɪ̯ɐ/

Meaning

  • neuter nounadventure

Example

Er erzählt oft von seinen Abenteuern.

He often talks about his adventures.

Illustration for Abenteuer (adventure)

More examples

Auf Reisen erlebt man oft ein Abenteuer.

While traveling, one often has an adventure.

Core concept

A traveler leaves the safe path for an uncertain experience that later becomes a story.

Common phrases

  • ein Abenteuer erleben

    have an adventure

  • sich auf ein Abenteuer einlassen

    embark on an adventure

  • ins Abenteuer stürzen

    throw oneself into an adventure

Similar words

Erlebnis: A meaningful event whose personal impact remains in memory.
Reise: An extended trip that includes reaching a destination and returning.
Ausflug: A short, enjoyable outing shared with companions or family.
Wanderung: A recreational hike along paths in the mountains or through nature.

Definition in German

Das bewusste Eingehen auf ungewöhnliche oder riskante Erfahrungen oder die Gesamtheit solcher Erlebnisse im Leben.

Word origin

Abenteuer comes through Middle High German aventiure from Old French aventure, ultimately from Latin adventura, meaning what is going to happen.

Usage tips

  • Abenteuer is neuter, and its plural is also Abenteuer, as in die Abenteuer and von seinen Abenteuern.

Opposites

Related words

  • Abenteureradventurernoun
  • abenteuerlichadventurousadjective
  • Abenteuerlustthirst for adventurenoun

Word lists with this word