risk
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risk
The possibility that an action or undertaking may result in damage, loss, or another negative consequence.
Jede Geldanlage an der Börse ist mit einem gewissen Risiko verbunden.
Every investment on the stock market involves a certain risk.
'Risiko' (risk) is often combined with adjectives that describe its size or type. Typical phrases are 'ein hohes/geringes Risiko' (a high/low risk), 'ein finanzielles Risiko' (a financial risk), or 'ein kalkulierbares Risiko' (a calculable risk).
Die Operation hat nur ein geringes Risiko.
The operation has only a low risk.
Certain verbs are frequently used with 'Risiko' (risk). A situation can 'ein Risiko bergen' (harbor a risk) or 'mit sich bringen' (bring with it). A person can 'das Risiko tragen' (bear the risk) or try to 'minimize' it.
Diese Investition birgt ein hohes Risiko.
This investment carries a high risk.
To describe exactly what the risk consists of, an infinitive construction with 'zu' is often used. The structure is: 'das Risiko, etwas zu tun' (the risk of doing something).
Es besteht immer das Risiko, einen Fehler zu machen.
There is always the risk of making a mistake.
'Ein Risiko eingehen' (to take a risk) is a very common fixed combination with the verb 'eingehen'. It means that someone consciously chooses an uncertain or dangerous action.
Als Unternehmer muss man bereit sein, Risiken einzugehen.
As an entrepreneur, you have to be willing to take risks.
chance / opportunity
'die Chance' and 'das Risiko' both describe what can happen as the result of an action. The most important difference is the direction: a chance means a good possibility or a prospect of success. A risk means the possibility that something bad will happen, for example a loss or damage. Learners may confuse the words because both are often used when talking about decisions. A practical tip: you want to use a chance, but you want to know about or avoid a risk.
Bei glatten Straßen ist das Risiko für einen Unfall höher.
On slippery roads, the risk of an accident is higher.
Der neue Kurs ist eine gute Chance, meine Deutschkenntnisse zu verbessern.
The new course is a good opportunity to improve my German skills.