der  Wunsch

A1

Estimated CEFR level.

/vʊnʃ/

💭 What does "der Wunsch" mean?

Der Wunsch (noun, masculine) describes a strong longing, desire, or craving for something specific. It can refer to material things, immaterial states, or events.

• Main meaning: An inner striving or hoping for the occurrence or possession of something.
• Context: One can haben (have) a Wunsch, äußern (express) a Wunsch, or erfüllen (fulfill) someone's Wunsch.

There is only this one article for the word "Wunsch". ⚠️ Confusion with similar words is rare, but context is key.

📜 Grammar of "der Wunsch" in Detail

The noun "Wunsch" is masculine. Here is its declension:

Example Sentences

1. Mein größter Wunsch ist eine Weltreise. (My biggest wish is a trip around the world.)
2. Die Erfüllung seines Wunsches dauerte Jahre. (The fulfillment of his wish took years.)
3. Ich komme deinem Wunsch gerne nach. (I am happy to comply with your wish/request.)
4. Er äußerte einen einfachen Wunsch. (He expressed a simple wish.)
5. Die Kinder schrieben ihre Wünsche auf Zettel. (The children wrote their wishes on slips of paper.)
6. Trotz aller Wünsche blieb das Wetter schlecht. (Despite all wishes, the weather remained bad.)
7. Er widmete sich den Wünschen seiner Gäste. (He attended to the wishes of his guests.)

🗣️ How "Wunsch" is used

• General desire: "Ich habe den Wunsch, dich wiederzusehen." (I have the desire to see you again.)
• Order/Request: "Haben Sie sonst noch einen Wunsch?" (Do you have any other wishes? / Can I get you anything else? - often in service contexts)
• Good wishes: "Herzlichen Glückwunsch und die besten Wünsche zum Geburtstag!" (Congratulations and best wishes for your birthday!)
• Idioms:
  • Wunschdenken: Wishful thinking. ("Das ist doch reines Wunschdenken!" - That's just pure wishful thinking!)
  • Auf Wunsch: Upon request. ("Das Menü ist auf Wunsch auch vegetarisch erhältlich." - The menu is also available vegetarian upon request.)
  • Keine Wünsche offen lassen: To leave nothing to be desired. ("Das Hotel ließ keine Wünsche offen." - The hotel left nothing to be desired.)
• Distinction: A Wunsch is often less concrete or urgent than a Bedürfnis (need) or a Forderung (demand). A Bitte (request) is a polite appeal, whereas a Wunsch can also remain unexpressed.

💡 Mnemonics to Remember

Article Mnemonic: Imagine a man ("der Mann") expressing a wish. Der Mann has der Wunsch.

Meaning Mnemonic: A Wunsch often feels like something deep underneath the surface, maybe unfulfilled. The 'u' sound connects.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms of Wunsch

⚠️ Similar Words

• Die Wunschelrute: Dowsing rod. Has nothing to do with 'Wunsch' (wish), but is used to find water sources.

😂 A Little Wish Joke

Eine Fee erscheint einem Mann: "Du hast einen Wunsch frei!"
Der Mann überlegt kurz und sagt: "Ich wünsche mir, dass du wieder verschwindest!"

Translation:
A fairy appears to a man: "You have one wish!"
The man thinks for a moment and says: "I wish you would disappear again!"

📜 A Poem About Wishes

Ein leiser Wunsch, im Herzen klein,
fliegt heimlich auf zum Sonnenschein.
Möcht' tanzen, lachen, frei und froh,
findet Erfüllung irgendwo.

Manchmal ganz groß, ein kühner Traum,
gibt dem Leben neuen Raum.
Der Wunsch, er treibt uns an und führt,
bis Glück die Seele sanft berührt.

Translation:
A quiet wish, small in the heart,
secretly flies up to the sunshine's art.
Wants to dance, laugh, be free and glad,
finds fulfillment somewhere, not bad.

Sometimes quite large, a bold dream's flight,
gives life new space, burning bright.
The wish, it drives us, leads the way,
until luck gently touches the soul's day.

❓ Riddle Time

Ich bin oft still und ungesagt,
manchmal bei Sternschnuppen erfragt.
Man hat mich frei, wenn Feen erscheinen,
man kann mich hegen oder verneinen.

Was bin ich?

Translation:
I am often silent and unsaid,
sometimes asked for when shooting stars have sped.
You get me free when fairies appear,
you can cherish me or hold me less dear.

What am I?

Solution: Der Wunsch (The wish)

🧐 More About "Wunsch"

• Etymology: The word "Wunsch" comes from the Old High German "wunsc", which originally meant "perfection" or "ideal", and is related to the verb "wünschen" (to wish).
• Compounds: There are many German words formed with "Wunsch", e.g.:
  • Wunschliste: Wishlist.
  • Wunschkind: A much-desired child.
  • Wunschtraum: A daydream, a fond hope (often unrealistic).
  • Wunschkonzert: Originally a radio show fulfilling music requests; now also metaphorically for a situation where all wishes are (supposed to be) fulfilled.