verb

gelingen

succeed

Etwas klappt so, wie man es sich wünscht oder geplant hat.

Definition & meaning

The verb gelingen means to succeed, to turn out well, or to work out. It is used when an action or an endeavor reaches a successful conclusion or outcome.

To succeed in an endeavor: Used when someone manages to accomplish a specific task or goal.
- Example: Es ist ihm gelungen, die Prüfung zu bestehen. (He succeeded in passing the exam.)
To turn out well: Used to describe an object, a recipe, or a plan that has resulted in a positive or desired state.
- Example: Der Kuchen ist ihr gut gelungen. (The cake turned out well for her.)

Grammar & Word origin

Grammar:

gelingen is an irregular (strong) verb.
Conjugation: gelingen - gelang - ist gelungen.
Note: It is an intransitive verb that takes the auxiliary verb sein. It is primarily used in the third person (impersonal construction with es) or with a dative object indicating the person who succeeds.

Word origin: The word originates from Middle High German gelingen. It shares the prefix ge- (often denoting a collective or perfective aspect) with the root related to lange (to reach, to attain).