das  Wagnis

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈvaɡnɪs/

📖 What does "das Wagnis" mean?

Das Wagnis (noun, neuter) refers to an action, a plan, or an undertaking that is associated with risks, whose outcome is uncertain, and where there is a possibility of failure or loss. It often implies courage and the willingness to accept uncertainty in order to achieve a goal or try something new.

In contrast to 'Risiko' (risk), which is often used more neutrally or technically, 'Wagnis' frequently emphasizes the aspect of consciously taking a danger or uncertainty, often associated with personal effort or boldness.

• It describes a bold undertaking or venture.
• It involves the possibility of failure.
• It often requires courage or determination.

⚠️ There is only this one meaning and the article das.

🧐 Grammar of "Wagnis" in Detail

The word "Wagnis" is a noun of neuter gender (sächlich). It follows the strong declension pattern.

Singular Declension

Plural Declension

📝 Example Sentences

• Das war ein großes Wagnis, aber es hat sich gelohnt. (That was a big venture/risk, but it paid off.)
• Er ging das Wagnis ein, sein ganzes Geld zu investieren. (He took the risk of investing all his money.)
• Die Gründung eines Start-ups ist immer ein finanzielles Wagnis. (Founding a start-up is always a financial venture/gamble.)
• Ohne Wagnis gibt es keinen Fortschritt. (Without taking risks/venturing, there is no progress.)
• Die Bergsteiger standen vor einem gefährlichen Wagnis. (The mountaineers faced a dangerous undertaking.)

🚀 When and how to use "das Wagnis"?

"Das Wagnis" is used to describe situations involving consciously accepted risks. It is used in various contexts:

• Personal Life: e.g., moving to a new country, changing careers. (Example: Der Schritt in die Selbstständigkeit war ein echtes Wagnis. - The step into self-employment was a real venture.)
• Business & Finance: e.g., risky investments, starting a company. (Example: Die Einführung des neuen Produkts war ein unternehmerisches Wagnis. - Introducing the new product was an entrepreneurial venture.)
• Adventure & Sports: e.g., extreme sports, expeditions. (Example: Die Solo-Überquerung des Atlantiks war ein lebensgefährliches Wagnis. - The solo crossing of the Atlantic was a life-threatening venture.)
• Research & Innovation: e.g., exploring new scientific paths. (Example: Die Entwicklung dieser Technologie war ein wissenschaftliches Wagnis. - Developing this technology was a scientific venture.)

Distinction from 'Risiko': While 'Risiko' often describes a measurable or calculable danger (e.g., financial risk), 'Wagnis' carries a stronger connotation of courage, personal decision, and uncertainty of outcome. A Wagnis is often a consciously chosen risk, whereas one can also be exposed to a Risiko unintentionally.

💡 Mnemonics to Remember

Article 'das': Many German nouns ending in -nis that describe a thing or state are neuter ('das'). Think of: das Zeugnis (certificate/testimony), das Geheimnis (secret), das Erlebnis (experience), and thus das Wagnis.

Meaning: The word "Wagnis" comes from the verb "wagen" (to dare, to risk). So, a Wagnis is something you wage – an act requiring courage where you put something on the line.

↔️ Synonyms and Antonyms

Risk of Confusion?

Sometimes 'Wagnis' might be confused with 'Wagen' (car), but this is usually unlikely due to context and the article ('der Wagen' vs. 'das Wagnis').

😄 A Little Joke

German: Warum hat der Investor Angst vor dem Bäcker? Weil er zu viele finanzielle Wagnisse eingeht!

English: Why is the investor afraid of the baker? Because he takes too many financial risks / ventures! (Pun: 'eingehen' can mean 'to enter into' a risk, but also 'to shrink' like dough that doesn't rise - although the pun doesn't translate well)

✍️ A Short Poem about das Wagnis

German:
Ein Schritt ins Ungewisse,
das Herz klopft laut im Takt.
Das Wagnis ruft, ganz leise,
ein neuer Pakt.

Die Furcht, ein kalter Schatten,
die Hoffnung, helles Licht.
Wer nichts wagt, der kann nicht,
verändert sein Gesicht.

English Translation:
A step into the unknown,
the heart beats loud in time.
The venture calls, so softly,
a pact sublime.

Fear, a shadow cold,
Hope, a brilliant light.
Who dares nothing, cannot,
change their face or plight.

❓ Riddle

German:
Ich bin ein Sprung ins kalte Nass,
ein Spiel mit ungewissem Pass.
Ich brauch Mut und kost' vielleicht viel,
doch lockt am Ende oft ein Ziel.

Was bin ich?

English:
I am a leap into cold water,
a game with an uncertain charter.
I need courage and might cost a lot,
but often a goal is the final spot.

What am I?
Answer: das Wagnis (the venture/risk)

ℹ️ Other Information

Etymology

The word "Wagnis" derives from the Middle High German verb "wāgen", which meant "to move", "to sway", but also "to risk" or "to dare". The suffix "-nis" forms a noun from it, denoting the act or result of daring.

Related Concepts

• Wagemut: (Daring, boldness) The quality of being willing to take a risk (Wagnis).
• Risikobereitschaft: (Willingness to take risks) The general propensity to accept risks.
• Unternehmergeist: (Entrepreneurial spirit) Often includes the willingness to take economic risks (Wagnisse).