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abenteuerlich
adventurous
Characterized by excitement, risk, and unexpected events, similar to an adventure.
example
Wir machten eine abenteuerliche Reise durch den Dschungel.
We went on an adventurous journey through the jungle.
abenteuerlich
adventurous / far-fetched
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The adjective 'abenteuerlich' (adventurous) is derived directly from the noun 'das Abenteuer' (the adventure). It describes something that has the character of an adventure.
EXAMPLE
Er führte ein sehr abenteuerliches Leben als Weltreisender.
He led a very adventurous life as a world traveler.
Typical collocations
In its positive meaning, 'abenteuerlich' (adventurous) is often combined with experiences and activities. Typical phrases are 'eine abenteuerliche Reise' (an adventurous journey), 'ein abenteuerlicher Urlaub' (an adventurous vacation), or 'ein abenteuerliches Erlebnis' (an adventurous experience).
EXAMPLE
Die Wanderung durch die Berge war ziemlich abenteuerlich.
The hike through the mountains was quite adventurous.
Context clue
You can recognize the negative meaning from the noun. If 'abenteuerlich' (far-fetched) refers to abstract things like a 'Geschichte' (story), an 'Erklärung' (explanation), or a 'Theorie' (theory), it usually means 'implausible' or 'outrageous'.
EXAMPLE
Seine Ausrede für die Verspätung klang wirklich abenteuerlich.
His excuse for being late sounded really far-fetched.
Negative meaning
When 'abenteuerlich' (far-fetched) is used negatively, it expresses strong doubt or skepticism. It is an evaluative description for something that one considers contrived or very unlikely.
EXAMPLE
Der Detektiv entlarvte die abenteuerliche Konstruktion des Alibis.
The detective exposed the far-fetched construction of the alibi.
Compare with
abenteuerlich vs sicher
sure / safe
'sicher' and 'abenteuerlich' are opposites here when it comes to danger and risk. 'sicher' means that you are protected from harm or that there is no major risk. 'abenteuerlich' describes something exciting, unusual, and often also risky. A safe route is calm and reliable; an adventurous route can have surprises and dangers. 'abenteuerlich' is not always negative, but it sounds clearly less protected than 'sicher'.
abenteuerlich
Die Fahrt durch die Berge war schön, aber auf den engen Straßen ziemlich abenteuerlich.
The drive through the mountains was beautiful, but pretty adventurous on the narrow roads.
sicher
Für den Heimweg nimmt Tom lieber die sichere Straße mit guter Beleuchtung.
For the way home, Tom prefers to take the safe street with good lighting.
In real life
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