die Versuchung
temptation
The strong urge or desire to do something that you know is wrong, unwise, or forbidden.
EXAMPLE
Er widerstand der Versuchung, noch ein Stück Kuchen zu essen.
He resisted the temptation to eat another piece of cake.
die Versuchung
temptation
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Meanings
die Versuchung
temptation
A person or thing that has a strong appeal and could entice someone to take an action.
EXAMPLE
Die Pralinenschachtel auf dem Tisch war eine süße Versuchung.
The box of chocolates on the table was a sweet temptation.
Usage tips
Word family
'Die Versuchung' (temptation) belongs to the word family of the verb 'versuchen' (to try). In an old sense that is less common today, 'versuchen' also means 'to put someone to the test' or 'to tempt'. So temptation is what 'tests' you.
EXAMPLE
Der Teufel versuchte, ihn vom rechten Weg abzubringen.
The devil tried to lead him away from the right path.
Typical collocations
In connection with 'Versuchung' (temptation), there are fixed verbs: you can 'einer Versuchung widerstehen' (resist a temptation) or 'einer Versuchung nachgeben' (give in to a temptation). You can also 'in Versuchung kommen' or 'in Versuchung geraten' (be tempted).
EXAMPLE
Ich bin in Versuchung geraten, das letzte Stück Schokolade zu essen.
I was tempted to eat the last piece of chocolate.
Use with dative
The typical verbs used with 'Versuchung' (temptation) require the dative. You resist or succumb to 'der Versuchung' (the temptation).
EXAMPLE
Sie ist der Versuchung erlegen, im Schlussverkauf mehr zu kaufen als geplant.
She succumbed to the temptation to buy more than planned in the sale.
Context clue
A distinction is made between temptation as an abstract feeling and as a concrete thing. When a person or object is called 'eine Versuchung' (a temptation), the concrete thing is meant. When people talk about resisting it or giving in to it, the abstract feeling is meant.
EXAMPLE
Der Schokoladenkuchen in der Vitrine ist eine echte Versuchung.
The chocolate cake in the display case is a real temptation.
Compare with
Versuchung vs Verführung
seduction / temptation
A Versuchung can simply be a strongly appealing person or thing, or an inner desire. Verführung refers more to the process of deliberately influencing someone through charm or persuasion. Use Versuchung for the appeal itself and Verführung for active influence by a person or an offer.
Versuchung
Die Torte im Schaufenster war für ihn eine große Versuchung.
The cake in the shop window was a great temptation for him.
Verführung
Die Verführung durch den Verkäufer brachte ihn zum Kauf des teuren Geräts.
The salesman's seduction led him to buy the expensive device.
In real life
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