German word

versuchen

Pronunciation

IPA/fɛɐ̯ˈzuːxən/

Meaning

  • verbtry

Example

Ich versuche es mal.

I'll give it a try.

Illustration for versuchen (try)

More examples

Wir versuchen, die Aufgabe rechtzeitig zu erledigen.

We are trying to complete the task on time.

Core concept

A person takes a deliberate step toward an uncertain result to find out whether the plan works.

Common phrases

  • es mal versuchen

    try it sometime

  • etwas Neues versuchen

    try something new

  • versuchen, etwas zu erreichen

    try to achieve something

Similar words

ausprobieren: Testing a thing or method to find out whether it is usable.
probieren: Trying a small amount or a method to find out how it works.

Definition in German

Ein Verb, das bedeutet, etwas auszuprobieren oder einen Versuch zu machen, um zu sehen, ob es gelingt.

Word origin

Versuchen combines the prefix ver- with suchen and developed through Middle High German versuchen into the sense of making an attempt.

Usage tips

  • The common pattern is versuchen, etwas zu tun, with zu before the second infinitive.

Other meanings

  • attemptverb
  • testverb

Opposites

Related words

  • der Versuchattemptnoun

Word lists with this word