mein Glück versuchen
/maɪ̯n ɡlʏk fɛɐ̯ˈzuːxən/word by word
The English phrase 'try my luck' is translated into German as mein Glück versuchen.
This phrase is used to describe attempting something where the outcome depends on chance or luck. While the English expression is often tied to the speaker using 'my', the German phrase sein Glück versuchen (to try one's luck) is frequently adapted with different possessive pronouns to match the person performing the action.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you use this phrase as an infinitive clause, such as in the sentence 'I decided to try my luck', you must use the 'zu' construction: mein Glück zu versuchen.
How do you pronounce it?
/maɪ̯n ɡlʏk fɛɐ̯ˈzuːxən/
Did you know?
- The German word Glück can actually mean both 'luck' and 'happiness', meaning the phrase could theoretically carry a double sense of trying to find one's fortune or trying to find one's joy.
- The verb versuchen is used both for attempting a gamble and for conducting a scientific experiment to test a hypothesis.
- The German word Glück is believed to have been brought into the language by 12th-century Flemish knights through their culture and language.
Examples in context
- Ich werde mein Glück versuchen.I'll try my luck.This sentence shows how to express the intention to try one's luck using mein Glück versuchen.Tatoeba #2833108 by Manfredo, translation #264650 by CK
- Ich werde mein Glück versuchen und mich für diese Stelle bewerben.I will try my luck and apply for this job.
- Sollen wir unser Glück probieren und Lotto spielen?Should we try our luck and play the lottery?
- Ich möchte mein Glück versuchen und das Los kaufen.I want to try my luck and buy the lottery ticket.
- Vielleicht kann ich dort mein Glück versuchen.Maybe I can try my luck there.
Example conversation
Maximilian and Hannah are standing in front of a lottery ticket machine.
- MaximilianSollen wir ein Los kaufen?Should we buy a ticket?
- HannahJa, ich will heute mein Glück versuchen.Yes, I want to try my luck today.
- MaximilianIch hoffe, wir gewinnen den Jackpot.I hope we win the jackpot.
- HannahDas wäre wirklich toll, Maximilian.That would be really great, Maximilian.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (mein, Glück, versuchen) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Glück, mein, versuchen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
