Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| gewünscht | /ɡəˈvʏnʃt/ |
| erwünscht |
gewünscht is the standard term for something that has been wished for or requested, often used in the context of specific desires or orders. It primarily means 'desired' but can be used to express a form of being wanted. In professional settings, the phrase wie gewünscht is a common way to say 'as requested' or 'as desired' when confirming a task or delivery.
Which one should you use?
gewünscht refers to something a person specifically wants or has requested. In contrast, erwünscht is used to describe something that is desirable, welcome or appropriate in a given situation.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word gewünscht is the past participle of the verb 'wünschen' (to wish/want) and functions as an adjective.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɡəˈvʏnʃt/
Did you know?
- In German, if you are looking for a 'wanted' person like a criminal, you would use the term gesucht, which literally translates to 'sought' or 'searched for'.
- The word Wunsch (the noun form) is often used in compound words to create specific meanings, such as Wunschkonzert, which literally means a 'wish concert' but is used idiomatically to describe a situation where everyone gets exactly what they want.
- In high-end German service, you will often hear Was wird gewünscht?, which literally means 'What is being wished for?' rather than 'What do you want?'
Examples in context
- Ich habe mir eine Schwester gewünscht.I wanted a sister.This sentence shows how to use gewünscht to express wanting a sister.Tatoeba #9173072 by brauchinet, translation #9172958 by CK
- Ich hatte mir immer einen Sohn gewünscht.I had always wanted a son.This sentence shows how to use gewünscht to express having always wanted a son.Tatoeba #6326100 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2560583 by Hybrid
- Ich habe mir schon immer eine Tochter gewünscht.I've always wanted a daughter.This sentence shows how to use gewünscht to express always wanting a daughter.Tatoeba #7956931 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2358957 by CK
- Ein erfahrener Mitarbeiter wird gesuchtAn experienced employee is wanted
- Ein zuverlässiger Fahrer wird dringend benötigtA reliable driver is urgently wanted/needed
- Ein Kandidat mit Kenntnissen in Marketing wird gewünschtA candidate with marketing skills is wanted/desired
- Jemanden für unser Fußballteam gesuchtSomeone wanted for our soccer team
- Ich suche einen ReisepartnerI'm looking for a travel partner
- Brauche dringend Nachhilfe in MathematikDesperately need/want tutoring in mathematics
- 18 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura and Felix are discussing the requirements for a job application.
- LauraSind diese Unterlagen so gewünscht?Are these documents as desired?
- FelixJa, das ist genau das gewünschte Format.Yes, that is exactly the desired format.
- LauraGut, ich schicke sie dann sofort ab.Good, I will send them off immediately then.
- FelixViel Glück bei der Bewerbung, Laura!Good luck with the application, Laura!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “wanted” translations and entries gewünscht, erwünscht, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
