Questions & Answers about Er hat die Wette verloren.
Is die Wette derived from an adjective like the other nouns in this lesson?
No, die Wette isn't derived from an adjective; it's related to the verb wetten (to bet). However, it shares a helpful pattern with the adjective-derived nouns you are learning: German nouns ending in -e are overwhelmingly feminine.
What are the verb forms for verloren?
The infinitive is verlieren (to lose). It is a strong (irregular) verb with a vowel change. The forms you need to know are verlieren (infinitive), verlor (simple past), and hat verloren (present perfect).
If I want to say "He made a bet" instead of "lost a bet", do I use machen?
German speakers usually don't use machen here. To "make a bet" is eine Wette abschließen (literally "to conclude a bet"). So, "He made a bet" translates to Er hat eine Wette abgeschlossen. Alternatively, you can simply use the verb wetten: Er hat gewettet.
How do I express what the bet was for, or what was bet on?
To state the stakes of the bet, use the preposition um (e.g., Wir wetten um ein Bier - We are betting a beer). To state what you are betting on, use auf plus the accusative case (e.g., Ich wette auf dieses Team - I am betting on this team).
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