Bemühungen

Bemühungen is a German noun in the plural form of Bemühen, meaning efforts or endeavors. It refers to the act of applying effort to achieve a goal and can denote sustained activity over time and resources. The term is used in everyday language as well as in formal contexts to describe striving, work, or exertion by individuals, groups, or institutions.

Etymology: Bemühung is formed from the verb bemühen, with the prefix be- and the noun Mühe (effort). The noun Bemühung arose in German to denote the act of applying effort; the plural Bemühungen emphasizes multiple acts or ongoing effort.

Usage: Bemühungen is commonly used with adjectives such as große, geringe, neue, or konkrete: "große Bemühungen", "neue Bemühungen der Regierung", "Bemühungen um Frieden". It also appears with verbs like unternehmen, fortsetzen, stärken. The expression "sich um etwas bemühen" uses the noun in reference to the subject's striving.

Examples:

- Die Regierung verstärkte ihre Bemühungen, die Arbeitslosigkeit zu senken.

- Die internationalen Bemühungen um Friedensverhandlungen dauern an.

- Er zeigte beträchtliche Bemühungen, das Projekt rechtzeitig abzuschließen.

Synonyms and nuance: Synonyms include Anstrengungen, Einsatz, Engagement. Bemühungen often implies a measured, ongoing set of actions rather than a single attempt; Anstrengungen may emphasize exertion, while Einsatz stresses active deployment or practical effort.

Related terms: Bemühen (singular), sich bemühen, bemüht sein.