How to Say "Life Goal" in German

Lebensziel

/ˈleːbn̩sˌt͡siːl/neuter

The German phrase for "life goal" is Lebensziel.

Lebensziel refers to something that a person wishes to achieve in his or her life.

Meaning: something that a person wishes to achieve in his or her life (noun)

What does it mean word for word?

The word is a compound of Leben (life) and Ziel (goal/target).

Lebensziel is a neuter noun, meaning it is used with the definite article das. The plural form of the word is Lebensziele.

/ˈleːbn̩sˌtsiːl/

In German philosophy, particularly in the works of Nietzsche, the concept of a goal is often contrasted with Werden, the process of 'becoming', suggesting that the journey is more vital than the Lebensziel.
While Lebensziel is the literal term for a 'life goal', Germans often use the phrase Lebensaufgabe to describe a life's mission or a calling that feels like a duty.
The 's' in Lebensziel is called a Fugen-s or 'glue-s', which acts as a linguistic bridge to connect two nouns in a compound.

Hast du ein Lebensziel?
Do you have a life goal?
This sentence is useful for asking if someone has a Lebensziel.
Tatoeba #7021403 by Adelpa, translation #7021209 by shekitten
Mein Lebensziel ist es, eine erfolgreiche Karriere aufzubauen.
My life goal is to build a successful career.
Bitte beschreiben Sie Ihre Lebenszielsetzungen für die nächsten fünf Jahre.
Please describe your life goals for the next five years.
Das ist mein wichtigstes Lebensziel.
That is my most important life goal.

Julian and Sarah are talking about their futures.

Julian

Was ist eigentlich dein größtes Lebensziel, Sarah?
What is actually your biggest life goal, Sarah?
Sarah

Ich möchte einmal die ganze Welt bereisen.
I want to travel the whole world once.
Julian

Das klingt nach einem tollen Lebensziel.
That sounds like a great life goal.
Sarah

Und was ist mit dir, Julian?
And what about you, Julian?

Sources

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