Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Sehnsucht | /ˈzeːnˌzʊxt/ /ˈseːnˌsʊxt/ |
feminine |
| Verlangen | /fɛɐˈlaŋən/ | neuter |
In German, both Sehnsucht and Verlangen can be used to express different types of desire. Sehnsucht refers to a deep, often bittersweet or melancholic yearning, frequently for something that is distant or unattainable. Verlangen is used to convey a strong, direct desire or craving for someone or something, which can imply passion or lust.
What does it mean word for word?
The word Sehnsucht is a compound formed from sehen (to see) and the suffix -sucht, which denotes a sickness or an intense craving/addiction.
Which one should you use?
While both words involve wanting something, Sehnsucht is more emotional and poetic, often carrying a sense of melancholy. In contrast, Verlangen is more direct and can imply a strong physical or urgent craving.
How does it change in a sentence?
Sehnsucht is a feminine noun and is used with the definite article die. Verlangen is a neuter noun and is used with the definite article das.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈzeːnˌzʊxt/
Did you know?
- In German culture, Sehnsucht is often distinguished from 'homesickness' (Heimweh) because it can be a longing for a place the person has never actually visited.
- While Sehnsucht describes the feeling, German uses the word Fernweh to describe the specific 'longing for far-off places', which is the opposite of homesickness.
- The verb form verlangen can also be used to mean 'to demand', as in demanding a payment or a specific result, moving far beyond simple desire.
Examples in context
- Heimweh ist die Sehnsucht dahin zu gehen, wo du herkommst.Homesickness is a longing to go back to where you are from.This sentence is useful for illustrating how homesickness is a form of Sehnsucht.Tatoeba #719149 by Esperantostern, translation #33711 by AlanF_US
- Ich verspüre irgendeine Sehnsucht, aber ich weiß nicht, wonach.I feel a sort of longing, but for what, I don't know.This sentence shows how to express feeling an unspecified Sehnsucht.Tatoeba #10634979 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #10646496 by sundown
- Wenn ich an meine erste Liebe denke, spüre ich selbst jetzt noch Herzschmerz und Sehnsucht.Even now, I feel a sense of heartache and longing when I think of my first love.This sentence demonstrates how Sehnsucht can be felt alongside heartache when remembering a first love.Tatoeba #11937518 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #11937496 by pip
- Mein Verlangen nach deiner Nähe ist unermesslichMy longing for your closeness is immeasurable.
- Ich sehne mich nach deiner UmarmungI long for your embrace.
- Ich vermisse dich so sehr, mein SchatzI miss you so much, my darling.
- Ich vermisse dich so sehr, mein Schatz. Meine Sehnsucht nach dir ist grenzenlos.I miss you so much, my darling. My longing for you is boundless.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura and Lukas are talking about their travel dreams.
- LauraIch habe eine große Sehnsucht nach Japan.I have a great longing for Japan.
- LukasDas verstehe ich, Lukas möchte auch dorthin.I understand that, Lukas wants to go there too.
- LauraDie Sehnsucht wird immer stärker im Winter.The longing becomes stronger and stronger in winter.
- LukasDann sollten wir bald einen Flug buchen.Then we should book a flight soon.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “longing” translations and entries Sehnsucht, Verlangen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
