01
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
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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 Erfahrung
experience
'die Erfahrung' and 'das Abenteuer' can both mean an experience that you later talk about or remember. But 'Erfahrung' is more general and often neutral: it can be good, bad, important, or educational. 'Abenteuer' sounds more exciting and often also uncertain or risky. Learners may confuse the words when talking about travel or special experiences. If you want to emphasize that you experienced or learned something, 'Erfahrung' fits better. If it was exciting, unusual, or dangerous, 'Abenteuer' sounds more natural.
Abenteuer
Unsere Wanderung durch den Sturm wurde zu einem echten Abenteuer.
Our hike through the storm became a real adventure.
Erfahrung
Die Reise allein war für mich eine wichtige Erfahrung.
Traveling alone was an important experience for me.
In real life
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