ich wünschte, ich wüsste es
The English phrase "I wish I knew" can be translated into German as ich wünschte, ich wüsste es.
This phrase is used to express regret or frustration about lacking a specific piece of information. In German, it is common to add es (it) at the end of the phrase to provide a direct object for the verb wissen, whereas English speakers often leave the object implied.
Did you know?
- The German word wüsste is a form of wissen, which is strictly used for factual knowledge. If you wish you knew a person or how to do a skill, you must use the verb kennen instead.
- In many German dialects, the 'ch' sound in ich is pronounced so softly that it almost sounds like a hiss, depending on the region.
- While ich wünschte translates to 'I wish', Germans often use the phrase hätte ich doch nur gewusst to express a similar regret about the past, which literally means 'had I only known'.
Examples in context
- Ich wünschte, ich wüsste es.I wish I knew it.This example shows how to use the full phrase with the object included.Tatoeba #6326843 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #4091269 by Ooneykcall
- "Wann wird Tom hier sein?" "Ich wünschte, ich wüsste es.""When will Tom be here?" "I wish I knew."This example demonstrates how to use the phrase as a standalone response to a question.Tatoeba #1894854 by Esperantostern, translation #13563808 by araneo
- Ich wünschte, ich wüsste den genauen Zeitplan für das Projekt.I wish I knew the exact schedule for the project.
- Ich wünschte, ich wüsste es auch.I wish I knew it too.
Example conversation
Julian and Laura are discussing a canceled train.
- JulianWann fährt der nächste Zug ab?When does the next train depart?
- LauraIch wünschte, ich wüsste es.I wish I knew.
- JulianDas ist wirklich ärgerlich.That is really annoying.
- LauraSchauen wir mal auf die Anzeige.Let's look at the display.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
