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noun

das Gelingen, null

success

Definition & meaning

The verb gelingen means to succeed, to turn out well, or to be successful in accomplishing something. It is used when an action or a project reaches a positive, desired outcome.

There is also the noun form, das Gelingen , which translates to "success" or "the successful completion" of an endeavor.

Grammar & Word origin

Grammar:

  • gelingen is an intransitive verb.
  • It is a strong verb (irregular). Its forms are: gelingen (infinitive), gelang (past tense/Präteritum), ist gelungen (perfect tense).
  • Crucial usage note: The verb takes the dative case. You do not say "Ich gelinge," but rather "Es gelingt mir" (It succeeds for me / I succeed).
  • It is only used with the third-person singular or plural (es gelingt / sie gelingen).

Word origin: It stems from the Middle High German gelingen. It is related to the word lunge, historically linked to the idea of "reaching" or "getting to" a destination or result.

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

  • erfolgreich sein
  • glücken
  • etwas schaffen
  • aufgehen (in the context of a plan working out)

Antonyms:

  • misslingen
  • scheitern
  • fehlschlagen

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Examples

Freust du dich über das Gelingen des Essens?noun

Are you happy about the success of the meal?

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