German word

Versuchung

Pronunciation

IPA/fɛɐ̯ˈzuːxʊŋ/

Meaning

  • feminine nountemptation

Example

Im Alltag gibt es viele Versuchungen.

There are many temptations in everyday life.

Illustration for Versuchung (temptation)

More examples

Er konnte der Versuchung nicht widerstehen und nahm ein Stück Kuchen.

He was unable to resist temptation and took a piece of cake.

Core concept

An attractive option creates an inner tug between desire and restraint.

Common phrases

  • der Versuchung widerstehen

    resist the temptation

  • einer Versuchung nachgeben

    yield to temptation

  • in Versuchung geraten

    succumb to temptation

Similar words

Verführung: Enticement intended to make someone act as desired.
Verlockung: A compelling attraction created by something appealing nearby.
Begierde: A powerful desire for something.
Anreiz: An external factor that motivates action through promised appeal.

Definition in German

ein innerer Drang, einem lockenden Angebot oder Reiz nachzugeben

Word origin

The noun Versuchung developed from the verb versuchen and the suffix -ung, retaining the older notion of a test while acquiring its modern sense of temptation.

Usage tips

  • The phrase einer Versuchung erliegen means 'to succumb to a temptation', and erliegen takes the dative case.

Opposites

  • Selbstbeherrschungself-restraintnoun
  • Enthaltsamkeittemperancenoun

Related words

Word lists with this word