German word

Vergnügen

Pronunciation

IPA/fɛɐ̯ˈgnyːgn̩/

Meaning

  • neuter nounpleasure

Example

Es macht mir Vergnügen, mit dir zu sprechen.

It is a pleasure for me to speak with you.

Illustration for Vergnügen (pleasure)

More examples

Ich lese zum Vergnügen Krimis.

I read detective novels for pleasure.

Core concept

A pleasant glow that comes from an amusing, relaxing, or otherwise satisfying activity.

Common phrases

  • zum Vergnügen

    for pleasure

  • großes Vergnügen

    great pleasure

Similar words

Spaß: Lively enjoyment that brings excitement or laughter during an activity.
Freude: A deep feeling of happiness and inner satisfaction.
Genuss: The pleasure of taking time to savor food, drink, or an experience.
Unterhaltung: Enjoyable time spent watching, talking, or taking part in light activities.

Definition in German

Angenehmes Gefühl oder Freude, oft bei unterhaltsamen oder entspannenden Tätigkeiten.

Word origin

Vergnügen comes through Middle High German vergnüegen from the verb vergnügen, which is historically related to genügen and genug and originally involved satisfaction or contentment.

Usage tips

  • The neuter noun is das Vergnügen, and its plural is die Vergnügungen when separate pleasures or amusements are meant.

Other meanings

  • joynoun
  • entertainmentnoun

Opposites

  • Missvergnügendispleasurenoun
  • Unlustlack of desirenoun

Related words

  • Vergnügungentertainmentnoun
  • vergnüglichenjoyableadjective
  • vergnügenentertainverb

Word lists with this word