How to express temptation in German

The German words for “temptation” are “Versuchung” (f.), “Verlockung” (f.) and “Verführung” (f.). The word “Versuchung” comes from “versuchen”, which means “to try”, but here in more in the sense of “trial”, as in a test of whether someone will give in to sin when tempted (or seduced). The word “Verlockung” comes from “locken”, which means “to lure” or “to entice”. “Verführung” comes from “führen” – “to lead” (here in the sense of “to lead astray”).

The German words for “tempted” are “verlockt” and “verleitet”. Germans use “verlockend” or “verführerisch” for “tempting”.

Lastly, the German word for “to tantalize” is “aufreizen” (or “quälen”, which means “to torture”).

Examples:
– “Führe uns nicht in Versuchung.” – “Lead us not into temptation.”
– “Ich werde versuchen nicht verführt zu werden.” – “I will try not to be seduced.”
– “Das ist ein verlockendes Angebot.” – “That’s a tempting offer.”


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