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
abenteuerlich
far-fetched
Implausible, risky, or outrageous in a negative way. Often used for explanations, theories, or constructions that are not believable.
EXAMPLE
Er erzählte eine ziemlich abenteuerliche Geschichte, um seine Verspätung zu erklären.
He told a rather far-fetched story to explain why he was late.
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 absurd
absurd
Absurd and abenteuerlich can both be used to criticize an implausible explanation. Absurd dismisses it as nonsensical or illogical. Abenteuerlich describes it more as extremely unlikely, daring, or outrageously contrived, without necessarily contradicting logic.
abenteuerlich
Seine Erklärung, ein Geheimdienst habe alle Uhren im Büro verstellt, ist abenteuerlich.
His explanation that an intelligence agency had tampered with all the clocks in the office is far-fetched.
absurd
Seine Erklärung, er sei zu spät gekommen, weil er schon pünktlich da gewesen sei, ist absurd.
His explanation that he was late because he had already arrived on time is absurd.
In real life
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