mein Wunsch
/maɪ̯n vʊnʃ/word by word
The English phrase "my desire" is translated into German as mein Wunsch.
mein Wunsch refers to a general desire or a wish for a specific outcome to happen. While it is a neutral way to express what you want, other terms may carry different weights. For example, if you want to express a much stronger, physical or intense craving, you would use mein Verlangen. If you are using a very formal term that often carries connotations of intense or erotic desire, you would use mein Begehren.
Which one should you use?
mein Wunsch is a general, neutral term for a desire or wish. In contrast, mein Verlangen implies a strong longing or craving, while mein Begehren is more formal and often suggests erotic desire.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the phrase changes depending on its role in a sentence. Use mein Wunsch for the subject. Use meinen Wunsch when it is the direct object (accusative case). Use meines Wunsches when expressing possession or using certain prepositions (genitive case). Use meinem Wunsch when it is an indirect object or follows a dative preposition (dative case).
How do you pronounce it?
/maɪ̯n vʊnʃ/
Did you know?
- The root of Wunsch is linked to the ancient concept of 'loving' or 'desiring' someone, stemming from the Proto-Indo-European root *wenh₁. This means that a 'wish' in German is etymologically closer to 'love' than to a mere thought.
- In German culture, there is a distinction between a Wunsch and a Willen. A Wunsch is a hopeful desire, while a Wille is a conscious decision or act of will, reflecting a cultural emphasis on intention over mere wanting.
- While mein Wunsch is neutral, the related word Begehren is so heavily associated with eroticism in modern literature and art that using it in a casual setting can create an awkward or overly intimate atmosphere.
Examples in context
- Mein Wunsch ist, dir bei diesem Problem zu helfen.My desire is to help you with this problem.This sentence shows how to use mein Wunsch to state a helpful intention.Tatoeba #2553046 by Tamy, translation #56729 by CK
- Mein Wunsch, Arzt zu werden, entstand, als ich mich um meinen kränkelnden Bruder kümmerte.My desire to become a doctor grew out of looking after my sickly brother.This sentence uses mein Wunsch to describe a goal that originated from a personal experience.Tatoeba #560072 by cost, translation #28065 by CK
- Mein Wunsch ist es, an der Konferenz teilzunehmen.My desire is to attend the conference.
- Mein Wunsch ist es, die Welt zu bereisen.My desire is to travel the world.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sarah and Maximilian are discussing their future plans over coffee.
- SarahWas ist dein größter Traum?What is your biggest dream?
- MaximilianMein Wunsch ist es, ein Buch zu schreiben.My desire is to write a book.
- SarahDas wäre fantastisch, Maximilian!That would be fantastic, Maximilian!
- MaximilianIch hoffe, dass ich das bald schaffe.I hope that I can achieve that soon.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (mein, Wunsch) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Wunsch, mein, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
