Versuch
/fɛɐ̯ˈzuːx/
The English phrase 'attempt' can be translated into German as Versuch.
If you are referring to the action of trying or striving toward a goal, you might also use Bestreben or Bestrebung. In specific contexts like sports or the beginning of an initiative, the word Anlauf is frequently used.
Meaning: to try (verb)
Which one should you use?
While Versuch refers to a single specific attempt or trial, Bestreben describes a more continuous effort or a steady striving toward a goal.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Swiss German, you may encounter de Versuech instead of the standard German Versuch.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun Versuch is derived from the verb versuchen, which is the standard way to say 'to attempt' or 'to try'. When using the verb in the imperative mood to tell someone to try something, you use Versuch! for a single person informally or Versuchen Sie! to address someone politely and formally.
How do you pronounce it?
/fɛɐ̯ˈzuːx/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Be careful not to confuse Versuch (a general attempt) with Anschlag or Attentat, which specifically refer to a violent attack or an assassination attempt.
Did you know?
- To say someone 'tried' something in the sense of 'sampled' it, like a new food, Germans use probieren instead of versuchen.
- The word Versuch can also mean 'temptation' in a religious or moral context. This is why the verb versuchen can mean both 'to try' and 'to tempt'.
- The German word Versuch is the same word used in a scientific context to mean 'experiment'.
Examples in context
- Versuch das nicht zu Hause!Don't attempt this at home.This sentence is useful for warning someone not to perform an attempt at home using Versuch.Tatoeba #7777199 by Connum, translation #7776984 by CK
- Sein Versuch war erfolgreich.He was successful in the attempt.This sentence shows how to describe a successful attempt using Versuch.Tatoeba #1865510 by Zaghawa, translation #290876 by CM
- Versuchen Sie das nicht zu Hause!Do not attempt this at home.This sentence provides a polite way to warn someone not to attempt something at home using Versuch.Tatoeba #2156644 by Vortarulo, translation #2154936 by Hybrid
- Ich machte einen Versuch.I made an attempt.
- Wir müssen einen Anlauf machen, um dieses Problem zu lösen.We need to make an attempt to solve this issue.
- Ich schätze dein Bemühen zu helfen.I appreciate your attempt to help.
- Ich versuchte der Versuchung zu widerstehen.I made an attempt to resist the temptation.
- Der Versuch, diese schwierige Aufgabe zu lösen, war erfolgreich.The attempt to solve this challenging task was successful.
- 52 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura and Lukas are trying to open a stuck jar.
- LauraIch kriege es nicht auf.I can't get it open.
- LukasIch mach einen Versuch.I'll give it a try.
- LauraHast du es geschafft, Lukas?Did you manage it, Lukas?
- LukasNein, mein Versuch war leider erfolglos.No, my attempt was unfortunately unsuccessful.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Versuch, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
