die
Versuchung
🤔 What Exactly is 'Versuchung'?
Die Versuchung (noun, feminine) describes the allure or enticement to do something that is often considered wrong, unwise, or harmful, or to desire something one shouldn't or cannot have. It's the internal or external incentive to give in to a desire or impulse that one should ideally resist.
- It can relate to material things (e.g., eating cake during a diet), actions (e.g., lying), or moral decisions.
- The term often has a negative connotation but can also be used playfully (e.g., the temptation to watch just one more episode of your favorite show).
⚠️ Note: The word is always feminine: die Versuchung.
Article rules for der, die, and das
-ung → always feminine.
There are many -ung words, we won't list them all. There are only a few exceptions.
🧐 Grammar Deep Dive: 'die Versuchung'
The noun "Versuchung" is feminine. Here are the declension tables:
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Versuchung |
| Genitive | der | Versuchung |
| Dative | der | Versuchung |
| Accusative | die | Versuchung |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Versuchungen |
| Genitive | der | Versuchungen |
| Dative | den | Versuchungen |
| Accusative | die | Versuchungen |
📝 Example Sentences
- Der Duft des Kuchens war eine große Versuchung.
(The smell of the cake was a great temptation.) - Er konnte der Versuchung nicht widerstehen, das Geheimnis zu verraten.
(He couldn't resist the temptation to reveal the secret.) - Im Leben gibt es viele Versuchungen.
(There are many temptations in life.) - Sie kämpfte gegen die Versuchung an, noch ein Stück Schokolade zu nehmen.
(She fought against the temptation to take another piece of chocolate.)
💡 How to Use 'Versuchung'
"Versuchung" is frequently used in contexts related to willpower, morality, ethics, or religion.
- Everyday situations: Shopping (buying unnecessary things), dieting (unhealthy food), studying (procrastination).
- Moral context: The temptation to lie, cheat, or do something forbidden. Die Versuchung zu lügen.
- Religious context: Often in connection with sin or tests of faith (e.g., the temptation of Christ in the desert). Die Versuchung Jesu in der Wüste.
- Idioms: "Jemanden in Versuchung führen" (to lead someone into temptation), "einer Versuchung widerstehen" (to resist a temptation) or "einer Versuchung erliegen" (to succumb to a temptation).
Compared to "Verlockung" (allurement) or "Reiz" (stimulus, appeal), "Versuchung" often implies a stronger inner conflict or a moral dimension.
🧠 Memory Aids for 'Versuchung'
- Article Mnemonic: Many feminine nouns in German end in "-ung". Think of the ending "-ung" as a strong temptress – she always requires die! Die Endung leads to die Versuchung.
- Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine you try (versuchst) very hard to resist something tempting. That effort, that Versuch, is part of the Versuchung (temptation).
🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms (Similar Meaning):
- Verlockung: Allurement, enticement; often more positive or neutral.
- Reiz: Stimulus, appeal, charm; less morally charged.
- Anfechtung: Tribulation, contestation; more in a religious or moral context, a test/trial.
- Begierde: Desire, craving; strong longing that can lead to temptation.
Antonyms (Opposites):
- Widerstand: Resistance; actively opposing the temptation.
- Enthaltsamkeit: Abstinence, temperance; conscious refraining.
- Selbstbeherrschung: Self-control; the ability to control impulses.
- Standhaftigkeit: Steadfastness, perseverance; holding onto principles despite temptation.
Word of Caution: Don't confuse die Versuchung (temptation) with der Versuch (attempt, experiment, try)!
😂 A Little Joke
DE: Warum nehmen Skelette Diäten so ernst? Sie haben einfach nicht den Magen für Versuchungen!
EN: Why do skeletons take diets so seriously? They just don't have the stomach for temptations!
📜 Poem about Temptation
DE:
Ein süßer Duft, ein leiser Ruf,
Ein Weg, der lockt, obwohl man schlief.
Die Willenskraft, ein zartes Band,
Die Versuchung reicht die Hand.
Mal ist sie süß, mal bitterlich,
Ein Kampf im Herzen, sicherlich.
Man widersteht, man gibt auch nach,
Die Versuchung hält uns wach.
EN:
A sweet scent, a quiet call,
A path that beckons, enthralling all.
The willpower, a fragile thread,
Temptation reaches out its head.
Sometimes it's sweet, sometimes it's tart,
A battle wages in the heart.
One resists, one yields beneath,
Temptation keeps us from our sheath.
❓ Little Riddle
DE:
Ich locke dich mit süßem Schein,
doch folgst du mir, bist du nicht rein.
Ich prüfe deinen starken Willen,
kann deinen Wunsch oft nur kurz stillen.
Wer bin ich?
EN:
I lure you with a sweet facade,
But follow me, and you'll feel flawed.
I test your willpower, strong and true,
Can often grant your wish, but just a few.
What am I? (The answer: Die Versuchung / Temptation)
➕ Other Information
Word Formation (Wortbildung):
The word "Versuchung" is derived from the verb "versuchen". The suffix "-ung" turns the verb into a feminine noun describing the process or result of the action.
- versuchen: to try, to attempt, to test, to tempt, to entice
- -ung: Suffix used to form feminine nouns
- Versuchung: The act of tempting, the state of being tempted (testing willpower)
Interestingly, "versuchen" also means "to try" or "to attempt", which explains the potential confusion with the noun "der Versuch" (the attempt/experiment).
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Versuchung?
The noun "Versuchung" is always feminine. The correct article is die Versuchung.