versuchen
to try, to attempt
- versuchen expresses the act of trying, attempting, or making an effort.
- It is a regular verb, conjugated like other -en verbs.
- Commonly used when someone gives something a shot, tests something, or makes an effort.
*versuchen* means 'to try' or 'to attempt.'
Conjugation
versuchen is a regular verb. Here is its conjugation in the present, simple past, and past participle:
| Person | Present | Simple Past | Past Participle |
|---|---|---|---|
| ich | versuche | versuchte | versucht |
| du | versuchst | versuchtest | versucht |
| er/sie/es | versucht | versuchte | versucht |
| wir | versuchen | versuchten | versucht |
| ihr | versucht | versucht | versucht |
| sie/Sie | versuchen | versuchten | versucht |
Usage in typical forms:
- Infinitive: versuchen
- Present: ich versuche (I try)
- Simple Past: ich versuchte (I tried)
- Perfect: ich habe versucht (I have tried)
The past participle of *versuchen* is *versucht*.
Usage and Examples
versuchen is used when someone makes an effort or gives something a shot, not necessarily guaranteeing success.
- Ich versuche, pünktlich zu sein.
(I try to be punctual.)
- Versuchst du, das Problem zu lösen?
(Are you trying to solve the problem?)
- Wir haben es versucht, aber es hat nicht funktioniert.
(We tried, but it didn't work.)
- Versuchen Sie den neuen Kuchen!
(Try the new cake! [formal imperative])
Typical constructions:
- etwas versuchen (to try something)
- versuchen zu + Infinitiv (to try to [do something])
Versuchen with Other Forms
- Nouns: der Versuch (attempt, trial), der Versuchsaufbau (experimental setup)
- Related adjective: versucht (attempted, tested)
Conclusion
versuchen is the go-to verb for expressing attempts or efforts in German, making it essential for everyday usage.
- Meaning: to try, to attempt
- Regular verb with typical -en conjugation
- Used for efforts, trials, and giving things a shot—both in statements and encouragement
Exercises
- Conjugate versuchen for all persons in the present tense.
- Use versuchen in a sentence with "to try to do something" in German.
- Give an example of versuchen in both the perfect and simple past forms.