to succeed
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to succeed
To proceed successfully or lead to a good result. The subject is usually 'es' (it), and the person who succeeds at something is in the dative.
Nach vielen Versuchen ist es mir endlich gelungen, den perfekten Kuchen zu backen.
After many attempts, I finally succeeded in baking the perfect cake.
This verb always needs a person in the dative. The subject of the sentence is the thing that is successful, often expressed by 'es' (it) or a noun.
Ihm ist ein beeindruckendes Kunstwerk gelungen.
He succeeded in creating an impressive work of art.
The perfect tense of 'gelingen' (to succeed) is always formed with 'sein' (to be), not with 'haben' (to have). It describes a change of state from 'not successful' to 'successful'.
Die Überraschung ist uns vollkommen gelungen.
The surprise was a complete success for us.
'Gelingen' (to succeed) is often used for the successful completion of plans, attempts, projects, or creative works. Typical subjects are 'der Plan' (the plan), 'das Experiment' (the experiment), 'die Flucht' (the escape), or 'das Gericht' (the dish).
Der erste Versuch ist leider nicht gelungen.
Unfortunately, the first attempt did not succeed.
success
Gelingen describes an undertaking proceeding successfully or turning out well. Erfolg refers to the positive result or the goal achieved. Gelingen is therefore used for the course of a specific undertaking, while Erfolg is used for its positive overall outcome.
Trotz der knappen Zeit gelang dem Team die pünktliche Eröffnung des neuen Cafés.
Despite the limited time, the team managed to open the new café on time.
Die pünktliche Eröffnung des neuen Cafés war für das Team ein großer Erfolg.
The new café's opening on time was a great success for the team.
