verlockend
The English phrase "tempting" can be translated into German using several words, most commonly verlockend. Wiktionary also lists verführerisch and attraktiv.
Meaning: attractive, appealing, enticing (adj)
Ways to say it
| German |
|---|
| verlockend |
| verführerisch |
| attraktiv |
In German, you use these words to describe something that is attractive, appealing or enticing.
What does it mean word for word?
The word verlockend is derived from the verb verlocken, which means "to entice" or "to lure".
Which one should you use?
The term verlockend is the standard, neutral way to describe something tempting, such as a deal, a snack or an idea. In contrast, verführerisch carries a stronger connotation of being seductive or sexually alluring. You might also use attraktiv as a synonym for tempting when describing the appeal of an object or person, but this focuses more on aesthetic or general appeal rather than the specific sense of being lured.
Did you know?
- While verlockend is used for offers or food, using verführerisch to describe a business deal might sound strangely sexual to a German speaker.
- While verlockend is neutral, verführerisch shares a root with Führer meaning 'leader'. In this context, it describes someone who 'leads' another person astray.
- To say something is 'too tempting to resist' in German, speakers often use the phrase da kann man nicht nein sagen, which literally means 'there one cannot say no'.
Examples in context
- Das Angebot ist verlockend.That offer is tempting.This sentence shows how to use verlockend to describe an offer.Tatoeba #11138285 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #11135094 by CK
- Das Angebot war verlockend.That offer was tempting.This sentence shows the past tense usage of verlockend regarding an offer.Tatoeba #11138286 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #11135093 by CK
- Das Wasser sah verlockend aus.The water looked tempting.This sentence shows how to use verlockend to describe the appearance of water.Tatoeba #10520382 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #10204563 by Hybrid
- Die Verlockung, dieses Angebot anzunehmen, ist groß.The temptation to accept this offer is strong.
- Das sieht aber lecker aus!That looks so tempting!
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julian and Julia are looking at a dessert menu.
- JulianDer Schokoladenkuchen sieht wirklich verlockend aus.The chocolate cake looks really tempting.
- JuliaJa, ich glaube, ich nehme ihn.Yes, I think I'll have it.
- JulianSoll ich dir ein Stück abgeben?Should I give you a piece?
- JuliaDas ist ein sehr verlockender Vorschlag!That is a very tempting suggestion!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “tempting” translations and entries verlockend, verführerisch, attraktiv, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
