01
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
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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 Lust
desire / pleasure
'die Lust' and 'die Versuchung' can both mean that you would like to do something. The difference lies in the evaluation. 'Lust' is neutral or positive: you simply enjoy something or want to do something. 'Versuchung' is used when something is appealing, but might be unwise, wrong, or forbidden. So you can say: you have 'Lust auf Kuchen' (feel like cake), but a diet turns the cake into a 'Versuchung' (temptation). The words are easy to confuse because both describe a wish. However, 'Versuchung' only fits when there is an inner conflict involved.
Versuchung
Die Schokolade auf dem Tisch war eine große Versuchung, obwohl Lisa keinen Zucker essen wollte.
The chocolate on the table was a big temptation, even though Lisa did not want to eat any sugar.
Lust
Heute habe ich große Lust, mit dir etwas zu kochen.
Today I really feel like cooking something with you.
In real life
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