German word

Gelegenheit

Pronunciation

IPA/gəˈleːgn̩haɪ̯t/

Meaning

  • feminine nounchance

Example

Ich hatte gestern die Gelegenheit, mit ihr zu sprechen.

I had the chance to speak with her yesterday.

Illustration for Gelegenheit (chance)

More examples

Wenn sich eine Gelegenheit bietet, solltest du sie nutzen.

If an opportunity arises, you should use it.

Core concept

A favorable opening appears in an otherwise ordinary situation and can be used for contact or action.

Common phrases

  • eine Gelegenheit haben

    have an opportunity

  • die Gelegenheit nutzen

    use the opportunity

Similar words

Chance: A favorable opportunity with the potential to produce a good result.
Möglichkeit: Room or an available option for an action or change to occur.
Anlass: An event or situation that gives a reason or prompt for doing something.

Definition in German

Ein günstiger Zeitpunkt oder Umstand, der eine Handlung oder Begegnung ermöglicht.

Word origin

The noun developed from Middle High German gelegenheit, based on gelegen, related to liegen, with -heit forming an abstract noun.

Usage tips

  • Gelegenheit haben commonly takes zu plus an infinitive, as in Gelegenheit haben, mit ihr zu sprechen.

Other meanings

  • opportunitynoun

Opposites

  • Hindernisobstaclenoun
  • Unmöglichkeitimpossibilitynoun

Related words

  • gelegentlichoccasionallyadverb
  • Gelegenheitsjobtemporary jobnoun

Word lists with this word