der
Berufswunsch
What exactly is a Berufswunsch?
The German word der Berufswunsch translates to 'career aspiration', 'desired profession', or 'the job one wishes to have'. It represents a person's specific desire or idea about pursuing a particular profession in the future.
It's a compound noun made up of:
A Berufswunsch can change over time, especially during youth.
Grammar Insights: Der Berufswunsch
The word "Berufswunsch" is a masculine noun. The article is der.
Declension Singular
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | der | Berufswunsch |
| Genitive | des | Berufswunsch(e)s |
| Dative | dem | Berufswunsch(e) |
| Accusative | den | Berufswunsch |
Declension Plural
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Berufswünsche |
| Genitive | der | Berufswünsche |
| Dative | den | Berufswünschen |
| Accusative | die | Berufswünsche |
Example Sentences
- Mein Berufswunsch als Kind war Astronaut. (My career aspiration as a child was astronaut.)
- Im Bewerbungsgespräch wurde sie nach ihrem Berufswunsch gefragt. (In the job interview, she was asked about her desired profession.)
- Viele junge Leute haben noch keinen klaren Berufswunsch. (Many young people don't have a clear career aspiration yet.)
- Die Berufswünsche der Schüler sind sehr vielfältig. (The students' career aspirations are very diverse.)
Everyday Usage
The term Berufswunsch is often used in contexts related to career planning, education, and future planning:
- School & Education: Teachers ask students about their Berufswünsche; career counseling helps with orientation.
- Job Applications: Sometimes cover letters or interviews ask about long-term Berufswünsche.
- Personal Conversations: When discussing future plans, the Berufswunsch often comes up.
It differs slightly from "Traumjob" (dream job), which is often more idealized. A "Berufswunsch" can be more realistic, but it's still a goal or aspiration.
Mnemonics and Memory Aids
Remembering the Article: Think of DER Mann (the man) having a WUNSCH (wish) for a BERUF (job). The gender of the last word in a compound noun often determines the gender of the whole word, and "der Wunsch" is masculine.
Remembering the Meaning: Imagine you wish (Wunsch) for a certain profession (Beruf) – that's your Berufswunsch.
Similar and Contrasting Terms for Berufswunsch
Synonyms
- Karrierewunsch: (Career wish/aspiration) Similar, often emphasizes the long-term career path.
- Traumjob: (Dream job) Often more idealized, not always realistic.
- Berufsziel: (Career goal/objective) Sounds more concrete and planned.
- Wunschberuf: (Desired profession) Very similar, different word order.
- Aspiration: (Aspiration) More formal term for striving/goal.
Antonyms (Conceptual)
- Ziellosigkeit: (Aimlessness) Lack of a clear goal.
- Orientierungslosigkeit: (Disorientation) Uncertainty about career direction.
- Desinteresse (am Beruf): (Disinterest (in a profession)) No desire for a specific job.
A Little Joke
Fragt der Lehrer: "Fritzchen, was ist dein Berufswunsch?"
Fritzchen: "Ich möchte Millionär werden, wie mein Vater!"
Lehrer: "Wow, ist dein Vater Millionär?"
Fritzchen: "Nein, aber er hat auch den Wunsch!" 😄
Translation:
The teacher asks: "Freddy, what is your career aspiration?"
Freddy: "I want to become a millionaire, like my father!"
Teacher: "Wow, is your father a millionaire?"
Freddy: "No, but he has the wish too!" 😄
Poem about Career Aspirations
Ein Funke zündet, jung und klar,
ein Bild entsteht, was wird, was war
verblasst vor dem, was kommen mag,
der Berufswunsch, Tag für Tag.
Ob Arzt, ob Künstler, Handwerksmann,
ein jeder hegt ihn, dann und wann.
Ein Ziel, ein Traum, ein Hoffnungslicht,
das uns durch Lernen vorwärts bricht.
Translation:
A spark ignites, young and clear,
an image forms, what will be, what was
fades before what may come,
the career aspiration, day by day.
Whether doctor, artist, craftsman,
everyone fosters it, now and then.
A goal, a dream, a light of hope,
that breaks us forward through learning.
Little Riddle
Ich bin kein Job, doch zeig' aufs Ziel,
bin oft ein Traum, doch nicht nur Spiel.
Ich wohne im Kopf, im jungen Sinn,
sag', welcher Job soll's für dich sein?
Translation:
I am not a job, but point to the goal,
I'm often a dream, but not just a game.
I live in the head, in the young mind,
tell me, which job should it be for you?
(Answer: der Berufswunsch / career aspiration)
Other Information
Word Composition (Kompositum):
- der Beruf: A profession or job one has learned and regularly performs for payment.
- der Wunsch: An expression of desire or longing for something.
The base word "Wunsch" (wish) determines the grammatical gender (masculine - der) of the compound noun "Berufswunsch".
Cultural Significance: In Germany, choosing a profession, and thus the Berufswunsch, plays a significant role in life planning and identity formation.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Berufswunsch?
The word "Berufswunsch" is masculine, so the correct article is der. It refers to the aspiration or wish to pursue a specific profession.