German Conversation · Level 51
74 words
German word
bemühen
Pronunciation
IPA/bəˈmyːən/
Meaning
- verbmake an effort
Example
Ich bemühe mich, pünktlich zu sein.
I am making an effort to be on time.
More examples
Er bemüht sich um eine schnelle Antwort.
He is trying to get a quick answer.
Core concept
A focused attempt to bring about a result, sometimes by drawing on another person's help or attention.
Common phrases
sich bemühen um
make an effort to obtain
sich bemühen um Hilfe
try to obtain help
Similar words
versuchen: Taking action in an attempt to achieve a goal.
probieren: Trying out an approach in practice to assess the outcome.
sich anstrengen: Making a strenuous effort to achieve something.
sein Bestes geben: Putting forth the fullest possible effort to achieve something.
Definition in German
Mit Absicht und Einsatz versuchen, ein bestimmtes Ergebnis zu erzielen; oft in formellem oder höflichem Sprachgebrauch.
Word origin
Bemühen is formed with the prefix be- from the older Germanic verb mühen, meaning to toil or exert oneself.
Usage tips
- The construction is commonly sich bemühen, etwas zu tun or sich um etwas bemühen, with the reflexive pronoun and the preposition required by the intended pattern.