Today’s word is one you’ll find in everything from health warnings to investment advice. The German noun Risiko means risk, and it’s used across everyday speech, formal writing, and professional contexts. Whether you’re talking about danger, uncertainty, or bold decisions — Risiko is the word you need.

Risiko is a neuter noun, so the correct article is das — das Risiko. Still not sure how to handle der, die, and das? Our quick and incredibly useful 5-minute video will help you understand German gender once and for all.

Real conversations where Risiko might come up

From medical disclaimers to career decisions, Risiko is a go-to word for discussing uncertainty and consequences. It can be serious, mathematical, emotional, or metaphorical.

– Willst du wirklich kündigen?
– Ja. Es ist ein Risiko, aber ich brauche einen Neuanfang.
(“You really want to quit?” – “Yes. It’s a risk, but I need a fresh start.”)

Beginner sample dialogue

Anna: Ist das sicher?
Milan: Nicht ganz… aber das Risiko ist klein.
Anna: Na gut. Ich mach mit.

(Anna: Is that safe?
Milan: Not entirely… but the risk is small.
Anna: Alright. I’m in.)

Grammar in action: How to use Risiko

Here’s how Risiko is used across the four German cases:

• Nominative: Das Risiko war zu groß.
  (The risk was too big.)

• Accusative: Ich nehme das Risiko in Kauf.
  (I accept the risk.)

• Dative: Mit dem Risiko müssen wir leben.
  (We have to live with the risk.)

• Genitive: Die Höhe des Risikos ist unklar.
  (The level of risk is unclear.)

Still working on mastering the cases? Our straightforward German grammar course makes it easy — no memorization, just understanding.

Other ways to talk about risk in German

While Risiko is the standard noun, you’ll also hear:

• Gefahr – danger

• Wagnis – a bold risk or dare (more poetic or literary)

• Risikofaktor – risk factor (medical or analytical context)

To describe someone as “taking a risk,” you’d use ein Risiko eingehen — “to take on a risk.”

Word variations and tidbits

Risiko comes from Italian rischio, and ultimately from Latin risicum. It appears in many common compound nouns:

• Risikogruppe – high-risk group

• Risikofreude – willingness to take risks

• Risikomanagement – risk management

• Risikobewertung – risk assessment

• Risikokapital – venture capital

A common idiom is:
„Wer nichts riskiert, der nichts gewinnt.“
(Nothing ventured, nothing gained.)

It’s a useful, universal word — and yes, it’s also the name of the classic strategy board game in German: Risiko.

Duden entry:
https://www.duden.de/rechtschreibung/Risiko

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