das Unterfangen
Translation
undertaking, venture, endeavor, enterprise
Examples
Das war ein schwieriges Unterfangen.
That was a difficult undertaking.
Sein kühnes Unterfangen ist gescheitert.
His bold venture failed.
Grammar Patterns
an ((adjective)) undertaking a daring undertaking
Similar Words
das Vorhaben (plan), das Projekt (project), der Versuch (attempt)
Etymology
A nominalization of the verb 'unterfangen' (to undertake), from 'unter-' (under) + 'fangen' (to catch). It implies tackling something from its foundation.
Memory Tips
Think of 'undertaking' a big project. You have to 'catch' ('fangen') all the problems 'under' ('unter') the surface.