das  Begehren

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/bəˈɡeːʁən/

📖 What does "das Begehren" mean?

Das Begehren describes a strong desire, an intense longing, or a deep wanting for something or someone. It's often stronger and more profound than a simple *Wunsch* (wish). It's a noun derived from the verb *begehren* (to desire, to covet).

It is almost exclusively used with the article 'das' and refers to the feeling or state of desiring itself. It's considered a rather elevated or literary word.

Examples of use:

• Das Begehren nach Wissen trieb ihn an. (The desire for knowledge drove him.)
• Ihr Begehren nach Freiheit war unstillbar. (Her longing for freedom was unquenchable.)
• Es war ein stilles, tiefes Begehren. (It was a quiet, deep desire.)

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar of "das Begehren" in Detail

Das Begehren is a nominalized verb (a verb turned into a noun) and therefore neuter (*sächlich*). It is generally used only in the singular because it describes an abstract concept. The plural form is very rare and unusual.

Declension (Beugung)

⚠️ The plural ("die Begehren") is grammatically possible but extremely rare in practice. It might only appear in philosophical or very specific contexts to denote different kinds or types of desire.

Example Sentences (Beispielsätze)

1. Das Begehren nach Macht kann gefährlich sein.
   (The desire for power can be dangerous.)
2. Er spürte ein starkes Begehren nach ihr.
   (He felt a strong desire for her.)
3. In seinen Augen lag ein tiefes Begehren.
   (There was a deep longing in his eyes.)
4. Dem Begehren des Kunden wurde entsprochen.
   (The customer's request/desire was met. - Rather formal)
5. Die Philosophie beschäftigt sich oft mit der Natur des Begehrens.
   (Philosophy often deals with the nature of desire.)

💡 How to use "das Begehren"?

Das Begehren is used to express an intense, often emotional or existential desire. It is stronger than *der Wunsch* (wish) and often more profound than *das Verlangen* (desire, craving).

• Contexts: You'll often find it in literature, philosophy, psychology, or elevated language to describe strong emotional states (e.g., love, lust, ambition, greed).
• Distinction:
  • Der Wunsch: More like a concrete, often fulfillable wish (e.g., „Ich habe den Wunsch nach einem Eis.“ - I have a wish for an ice cream.).
  • Das Verlangen: Similar to *Begehren*, but sometimes less intense or more specifically related to physical needs (e.g., „das Verlangen nach Schokolade“ - the craving for chocolate).
  • Die Begierde: Often has negative connotations, strongly linked to sexual or material desire, sometimes akin to lust or greed.
• Style: Das Begehren sounds more formal and sometimes a bit dramatic or pathetic. In everyday conversation, people would more likely use *Wunsch* or *Verlangen*.

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

Article Mnemonic: Abstract feelings or states derived from verbs often take *das* in German: *das Hoffen* (hoping), *das Fürchten* (fearing), *das Lieben* (loving), *das Wollen* (wanting) – and also das Begehren. Think: Big abstract feelings need the neutral 'das'.

Meaning Mnemonic: Begehren sounds a bit like 'beggar-en'. A beggar might have a strong *desire* for something. Or think of the 'gehren' part sounding like 'yearn' - you *yearn* for something with *Begehren*. It's a feeling that 'bugs' (*be-*) you until fulfilled.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

🚨 Caution: Words like *der Anspruch* (claim) or *die Forderung* (demand) are not direct synonyms, as they imply a right or expectation, whereas *Begehren* is an inner feeling.

😄 A Little Joke

Der Philosoph fragt seinen Schüler: „Was ist das stärkste Begehren des Menschen?“
Der Schüler überlegt lange und sagt: „Das WLAN-Passwort?“

Translation:
The philosopher asks his student: "What is mankind's strongest desire?"
The student thinks for a long time and says: "The Wi-Fi password?"

📜 Poem about Desire (das Begehren)

Ein Funke tief, ein leises Glimmen,
Das Begehren lässt die Seele schwimmen.
Mal süße Qual, mal heißes Brennen,
Will Ziel erreichen, Mauern rennen.

Nach Glück, nach Liebe, fernem Land,
Hält es das Herz fest in der Hand.
Ein Motor stark, der uns bewegt,
Bis das Begehrte ist erlegt.

Translation:
A deep spark, a soft glimmer,
Desire lets the soul shimmer.
Sometimes sweet pain, sometimes hot fire,
Wants to reach goals, break through the wire.

For luck, for love, for distant shores,
It holds the heart tightly indoors.
A strong engine that makes us strive,
Until the desired thing is alive (or: hunted down).

🧩 Little Riddle

Ich bin ein Gefühl, oft stark und tief,
Manchmal halte ich dich wach, wenn alles schlief.
Ich bin kein Wunsch nur, eher Drang,
Nach Macht, nach Liebe, lebenslang.
Ich trage „das“ als meinen Hut,
Was bin ich wohl, sag an, hab Mut!

Translation:
I am a feeling, often strong and deep,
Sometimes I keep you awake while others sleep.
I'm not just a wish, more like an urge or drive,
For power, for love, throughout your life.
I wear 'das' as my article's sign,
What am I then? Tell me, the answer's divine!

Solution: Das Begehren (Desire)

✨ Other Information

Word Formation: Das Begehren is a nominalization (substantivization) of the verb begehren (to desire, covet, request). The prefix 'be-' often intensifies the base verb or directs the action towards an object. 'gehren' (an archaic verb meaning to desire, long for) comes from Old High German 'gerōn' (to strive for, desire).

Cultural Significance: The concept of *Begehren* (desire) plays a central role in many philosophical traditions (e.g., Plato, Schopenhauer, Lacan) and religious systems (e.g., Buddhism – overcoming desire).