game of chance / venture
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game of chance
A gambling game whose outcome depends exclusively or mainly on chance.
Roulette ist ein klassischer Hazard, bei dem man keine Strategie anwenden kann.
Roulette is a classic game of chance in which you cannot use any strategy.
'Der Hazard' is not the same as the English word 'hazard'. While 'hazard' in English usually refers to a general danger or risk, the German word specifically means a game of chance or a deliberately accepted venture.
Er verlor sein ganzes Geld beim Hazard.
He lost all his money at the game of chance.
'Hazard' is a loanword from French ('hasard') and is considered elevated or literary in German. It is more likely to be used in written language than in everyday conversation.
Der Autor beschreibt das Leben als einen unkalkulierbaren Hazard.
The author describes life as an incalculable venture.
The context makes the meaning clear: if it is about games, cards, or dice, a game of chance is meant. If it is about decisions, expeditions, or undertakings, a venture is meant.
Beim Pokern ist der Hazard ein wesentlicher Teil des Spiels.
In poker, chance is an essential part of the game.
In the meaning 'Wagnis' (venture), 'Hazard' is often combined with adjectives such as 'gefährlich' (dangerous), 'gewagt' (daring), or 'kalkuliert' (calculated). You can also say 'einen Hazard eingehen' (to take a risk/venture).
Die Investition in das neue Unternehmen war ein kalkulierter Hazard.
The investment in the new company was a calculated venture.
risk
'das Risiko' and 'der Hazard' can both mean a venture or an uncertain outcome. 'Risiko' is the normal German word and fits in almost all situations when damage, loss, or failure is possible. 'Hazard' is much rarer and sounds technical, old-fashioned, or specialized. It can mean a risky undertaking, that is, something daring. The words can be confused because both express danger and uncertainty. In normal German, 'Risiko' is almost always the natural choice. 'Hazard' is used only in special or technical contexts.
Der Plan war ein Hazard, weil niemand den Ausgang sicher einschätzen konnte.
The plan was a gamble because no one could reliably assess the outcome.
Beim Termin war ihr das Risiko für die Familie zu groß.
For the appointment, the risk to her family was too great.