Ich freue mich
The English phrase "looking forward" is expressed in German as Ich freue mich.
This phrase is used to express excitement or pleasure regarding a future event. It is a positive expression of anticipation. It is not used for dreading an event (for dread, one would use fürchten or beunruhigt sein).
How does it change in a sentence?
To indicate the thing you are looking forward to, you must use the preposition auf. If you are referring to a previously mentioned event or a general situation rather than a specific noun, use darauf instead of just auf. If you are looking forward to an action (a verb), you must use darauf followed by a zu + infinitive construction, such as Ich freue mich darauf, dich zu sehen (I am looking forward to seeing you). In the context of this verb, auf is used for future events, whereas über is used for things happening now or in the past.
Did you know?
- The German word Vorfreude, which describes the joy of anticipation, is often paired with the proverb Vorfreude ist die schönste Freude, meaning the anticipation is the most beautiful part of the joy.
- Despite its positive meaning, Ich freue mich is frequently used with heavy sarcasm and a sigh to express the exact opposite: a feeling of dread.
- While English uses the metaphor of 'looking' with your eyes, German uses 'freuen', which is rooted in the concept of 'making joyful' or 'gladdening'.
Examples in context
- Ich freue mich drauf.I'm looking forward to it.Tatoeba #1785652 by Aldain, translation #21276 by CK
- Ich freue mich nicht darauf.I'm not looking forward to this.Tatoeba #12580906 by Waldelfe, translation #2541341 by CK
- Ich freue mich auf die Party.I'm looking forward to the party.Tatoeba #2073251 by Espi, translation #35722 by CK
- Ich bin in Erwartung der bevorstehenden ZusammenarbeitI am looking forward to the upcoming collaboration.
- Ich bin voller Vorfreude auf die bevorstehende FirmenveranstaltungI am looking forward to the upcoming corporate event with great anticipation.
- Ich freue mich auf das WochenendeI am looking forward to the weekend.
- Ich bin gespannt auf deinen VortragI am looking forward to your presentation.
- Ich kann es kaum erwarten, dich wiederzusehenI can't wait to see you again.
- Ich bin in Erwartung Ihrer baldigen Antwort.I am looking forward to your prompt response.
- Wir erwarten die Preisverleihung mit großer Freude.We are eagerly anticipating the award ceremony.
- Das gesamte Team ist voller Vorfreude auf die bevorstehenden Veränderungen.The whole team is looking forward to the upcoming changes with great anticipation.
- Ich freue mich darauf, dich endlich wiederzusehen!I am looking forward to seeing you again at last!
- Wir sind gespannt auf deine Neuigkeiten.We are looking forward to hearing your news.
- Ich kann es kaum erwarten, dass der Sommerurlaub beginnt.I can't wait for the summer vacation to begin.
- 110 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura and Lukas are talking about their upcoming vacation.
- LauraIch freue mich auf den Urlaub!I'm looking forward to the vacation!
- LukasIch auch, Lukas kann es kaum erwarten.Me too, Lukas can hardly wait.
- LauraIch freue mich schon auf das Meer.I'm already looking forward to the sea.
- LukasDas wird bestimmt toll, Laura.That will certainly be great, Laura.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
