sich Mühe geben

This reflexive German verb phrase describes the deliberate investment of care and energy in doing something well. The most fitting English equivalent depends on whether the emphasis falls on the intensity of the attempt or on the meticulous attention given.

1. to make an effort

The most common, stylistically neutral equivalent, appropriate in virtually any everyday context.

Er gibt sich wirklich Mühe, pünktlich zu sein.
He really makes an effort to be on time.
Sie hat sich bei der Präsentation sichtlich Mühe gegeben.
She clearly made an effort with her presentation.
Gib dir ein bisschen mehr Mühe, dann wird das schon klappen.
Make a bit more of an effort and it'll work out.

2. to take pains [formal]

Emphasises careful, detail-oriented effort; a formal expression more at home in written or literary register.

Die Autorin hat sich bei der historischen Recherche große Mühe gegeben.
The author took great pains with her historical research.
Er gab sich Mühe, in seiner Antwort keine Missverständnisse aufkommen zu lassen.
He took pains to leave no room for misunderstanding in his reply.

3. to try hard [informal]

A colloquial phrasing that stresses the intensity of the attempt rather than careful attention to detail.

Sie gibt sich Mühe, aber der Stoff fällt ihr wirklich schwer.
She tries hard, but the material just doesn't come easily to her.
Wenigstens gibst du dir Mühe, das zählt.
At least you're trying hard, that counts for something.

Notes

»Take pains« sounds formal or even literary in contemporary English; everyday speech strongly prefers »make an effort« or »try hard«. Conversely, »sich Mühe geben« is entirely neutral in German, so rendering it as »to endeavor« would come across as stilted.

Synonyms

sich bemühen sich anstrengen sich abmühen

Related phrases

Mühe Anstrengung Bemühen mühsam vergebliche Mühe sich abrackern