verb
to make an effort
B1
bemühen — to make an effort; commonly used reflexively as sich bemühen (to strive/try) often with um + Accusative (sich bemühen um etwas) or with zu + infinitive. Auxiliary: haben. Regular weak verb (perfekt: bemüht). Non-reflexive uses exist but are rare and formal (e.g., eine Sache bemühen).
Examples
Er bemühte sich um eine Lösung.
He made an effort to find a solution.
Er bemüht sich, pünktlich zu sein.
He is making an effort to be on time.
Ich bemühe mich sehr.
I try very hard.
Details
Mnemonics
Picture someone sweating and pushing a heavy door open — they are making an effort.
Sounds like 'be-moo-hen' — imagine mooing while trying hard; the 'effort' stands out.
N/A
Notes
Commonly used reflexively as 'sich bemühen' meaning 'to try' or 'to make an effort'. Non-reflexive uses are rare and more formal (e.g., 'eine Sache bemühen'). | Reflexive verb; passive forms are not applicable. Note: Konjunktiv I simple past (Präteritum) forms are not used — those slots are marked not applicable.