die Gelegenheit
Translation
opportunity, occasion, chance
Examples
Das ist eine gute Gelegenheit.
This is a good opportunity.
Nutzen Sie die Gelegenheit!
Seize the opportunity!
Bei dieser Gelegenheit möchte ich mich bedanken.
On this occasion, I would like to say thank you.
Grammar Patterns
die Gelegenheit haben, zu+Inf to have the opportunity to do sth. I have the opportunity to learn German.
die Gelegenheit nutzen/ergreifen to seize/take the opportunity He took the opportunity to escape.
bei Gelegenheit on occasion, when the opportunity arises I'll visit you when I get the chance.
Similar Words
Synonyms: Chance, Möglichkeit (possibility); Antonyms: Hindernis (obstacle)
Etymology
Derived from the verb 'liegen' (to lie). The idea is something that 'lies' before you, an opportunity.
Memory Tips
Imagine an opportunity is a gift that is 'lying' (liegen) right in front of you, waiting to be taken.