Ich brenne für
The English phrase "I am passionate about" can be translated into German as Ich brenne für.
This phrase is used to express a strong enthusiasm or deep interest in a particular activity or subject. You might also use bin begeistert von to say you are "enthusiastic about" something, or bin verrückt nach to say you are "crazy about" something.
What does it mean word for word?
The expression literally translates to "I burn for", using the verb brennen (to burn) to express intense passion.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
While highly expressive, Ich brenne für is more idiomatic and slightly more informal/metaphorical than the more literal Ich begeistere mich für.
How does it change in a sentence?
The preposition für (for) is used with this expression and requires the accusative case for the object that follows.
Did you know?
- The German word begeistert, used in the alternative phrase bin begeistert von, shares a root with 'gas' because it originally referred to being 'possessed by a spirit' or 'spirit-led'.
- While Ich brenne für describes a passion, the phrase Ich brenne mich would be a mistake, as the verb is used intransitively here to avoid implying you are literally setting yourself on fire.
- In the 18th century, grammarians had to formally separate für from the related word vor to distinguish 'for the benefit of' from a physical location.
Examples in context
- Ich bin absolut begeistert vonI am absolutely thrilled by
- Während meiner Reisen sammle ich leidenschaftlich gerne Geschichten und Erinnerungen.During my travels, I passionately collect stories and memories.
- Ich habe als Kind angefangen, Tanzstunden zu nehmen, und seitdem ist das Tanzen zu meiner großen Leidenschaft geworden.I started taking dance lessons as a child, and ever since, dancing has become my great passion.
- Ich brenne für die Fotografie.I am passionate about photography.
- Ich brenne für Musik.I am passionate about music.
- Ich brenne für diesen Beruf.I am passionate about this profession.
Example conversation
Lukas and Sarah are talking about their hobbies.
- LukasWas machst du in deiner Freizeit, Sarah?What do you do in your free time, Sarah?
- SarahIch brenne für die Fotografie.I am passionate about photography.
- LukasDas klingt sehr spannend!That sounds very exciting!
- SarahJa, ich liebe es, Bilder zu machen.Yes, I love taking pictures.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Ich, für, ich, CC BY-SA 4.0.
