das Abenteuer
adventure
An unusual, exciting, and often risky experience or journey.
EXAMPLE
Die Rucksackreise durch Südamerika war ein unvergessliches Abenteuer.
The backpacking trip through South America was an unforgettable adventure.
das Abenteuer
adventure
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Meanings
das Abenteuer
venture
A risky or uncertain undertaking whose outcome is unclear.
EXAMPLE
Die Gründung einer eigenen Firma ist immer ein finanzielles Abenteuer.
Starting your own company is always a financial venture.
das Abenteuer
affair
A short, noncommittal, and often secret romantic relationship.
EXAMPLE
Er wollte keine feste Beziehung, sondern nur ein kleines Abenteuer.
He didn't want a committed relationship, just a little affair.
Usage tips
Word family
The adjective 'abenteuerlich' (adventurous) and the person 'der Abenteurer' (adventurer) are derived from the noun 'das Abenteuer' (adventure). These words help you understand the concept.
EXAMPLE
Seine Reisepläne klingen wirklich sehr abenteuerlich.
His travel plans really sound very adventurous.
Context clues
The exact meaning of 'Abenteuer' (adventure) becomes clear from the context. If it is about travel and experiences, meaning 1 is intended. With financial or business risks, it is meaning 2. In the context of relationships, meaning 3 is often meant.
EXAMPLE
Die Expedition in den Dschungel war sein größtes Abenteuer.
The expedition into the jungle was his greatest adventure.
Typical collocations
In its main meaning, 'Abenteuer' (adventure) is often combined with verbs like 'erleben' (to experience), 'suchen' (to seek), or 'bestehen' (to get through / pass). Typical adjectives are 'groß' (big/great), 'spannend' (exciting), and 'gefährlich' (dangerous).
EXAMPLE
Viele junge Leute suchen im Ausland das große Abenteuer.
Many young people seek the great adventure abroad.
Fixed expression
A very common and figurative expression is 'sich in ein Abenteuer stürzen' (to throw oneself into an adventure). It means that you get involved in an exciting experience full of energy and without much hesitation.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Studium stürzte er sich direkt ins Abenteuer einer Weltreise.
After university, he threw himself straight into the adventure of a trip around the world.
Typical collocations
When 'Abenteuer' (venture) describes a risky undertaking, it is often combined with adjectives like 'finanziell' (financial), 'politisch' (political), or 'gewagt' (daring/risky). Here it has a rather negative or cautionary connotation.
EXAMPLE
Die Firmengründung ohne Kapital war ein gewagtes Abenteuer.
Starting the company without capital was a risky venture.
Compare with
Abenteuer vs Affäre
affair
Abenteuer and Affäre can both refer to a short, noncommittal romantic relationship. „Affäre“, however, usually emphasizes a secret relationship, especially when someone is already married or in a committed relationship. Use „Abenteuer“ for the casual, short relationship and „Affäre“ when the secrecy or an existing relationship is important.
Abenteuer
Nach wenigen Wochen beendete sie das kurze Abenteuer mit ihrem Kollegen.
After a few weeks, she ended the brief fling with her colleague.
Affäre
Nach wenigen Wochen beendete sie die heimliche Affäre mit ihrem verheirateten Kollegen.
After a few weeks, she ended the secret affair with her married colleague.
In real life
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