Fun Fact
The concept of 'risk' has been around for centuries, often associated with seafaring and trade where uncertainty was high. The German word 'riskieren' absorbed this idea from its Romance counterparts.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
Ich riskiere es.
I'll risk it. (I risk it.)
Wir sollten das nicht riskieren.
We shouldn't risk that.
Er hat viel riskiert.
He risked a lot.
Willst du das wirklich riskieren?
Do you really want to risk that?
Sie hat alles riskiert, um ihr Ziel zu erreichen.
She risked everything to reach her goal.
Manchmal muss man etwas riskieren.
Sometimes you have to risk something.
Er riskiert seine Gesundheit.
He's risking his health.
Ich riskiere lieber nichts.
I'd rather risk nothing.
Was riskieren wir dabei?
What are we risking with this? (What do we risk with this?)
Sie hat es riskiert und gewonnen.
She risked it and won.
Word Origin
From French 'risquer' (to risk) and Italian 'rischiare' (to dare, to risk).
Original meaning: To run into danger, to expose to peril.
Romance languages (via Latin 'resecare' - to cut off, to curtail).Cultural Context
<p>In German culture, there's often a pragmatic approach to risk. While 'riskieren' is used, you'll also hear phrases like 'auf eigene Gefahr' (at one's own risk) or 'Vorsicht ist besser als Nachsicht' (caution is better than hindsight), indicating a general tendency towards careful consideration before taking chances. However, Germans also value courage and innovation, so taking calculated risks is not inherently negative.</p>
Test Yourself 6 questions
This sentence means 'We shouldn't risk it.' The verb 'riskieren' is at the end of the clause in this modal verb construction.
This sentence translates to 'He risked everything for his dream.' 'Riskiert' is the past participle of 'riskieren' and is used here in the perfect tense.
This means 'She didn't want to risk her reputation.' 'Riskieren' is in the infinitive form here because of the modal verb 'wollte'.
/ 6 correct
Perfect score!
Example
Er hat alles riskiert, um sie zu retten.
Related Content
Related Phrases
More military words
Disziplin
A2The practice of training people to obey rules or a code of behavior.
Flagge
A2A piece of cloth attached to a pole or rope, used as a symbol.
Tapferkeit
A2Courage or bravery.
Truppe
A2A group of soldiers or armed forces.
Manöver
A2A movement or series of moves requiring skill and care, especially in military contexts.
Stützpunkt
A2A military base or outpost.
Dienst
A2The action of helping or serving; military service.
Kamerad
A2A companion or fellow soldier.
marschieren
A2To walk in a military manner with regular steps.
patrouillieren
A2To regularly guard an area or building.
