German word

abenteuerlich

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈaːbn̩ˌtɔɪ̯ɐlɪç/

Meaning

  • adjectiveadventurous

Example

Das war eine abenteuerliche Reise.

That was an adventurous trip.

Illustration for abenteuerlich (adventurous)

More examples

Sein Vorschlag wirkte abenteuerlich, aber spannend.

His proposal seemed adventurous, but exciting.

Core concept

A journey or action moves through danger, suspense, and unexpected turns, like a route whose outcome remains uncertain.

Common phrases

  • ein abenteuerliches Erlebnis

    an adventurous experience

  • eine abenteuerliche Idee

    an adventurous idea

  • ein abenteuerlicher Vorschlag

    an adventurous proposal

Similar words

abenteuerreich: Containing many adventures and surprising events.
abenteuerlustig: Keen to pursue new adventures and experiences.
spannend: Creating excitement or tension that keeps attention focused.
gefährlich: Involving a risk to life, health, or safety.

Definition in German

Ein Adjektiv für Erlebnisse oder Handlungen, die Spannung, Risiko und unerwartete Wendungen ausdrücken.

Word origin

Abenteuerlich derives from the noun Abenteuer, borrowed through Middle High German aventure from French aventure, ultimately from Latin adventura, plus the adjective suffix -lich.

Usage tips

  • Abenteuerlich can sound positive or negative, so the surrounding context shows whether the speaker means thrilling or recklessly risky.

Other meanings

  • thrillingadjective
  • excitingadjective
  • eventfuladjective

Opposites

Related words

  • Abenteueradventurenoun
  • Abenteureradventurernoun
  • Abenteuerlustlove of adventurenoun

Word lists with this word