die  Lust

A2

Estimated CEFR level.

/lʊst/

🧐 What does "die Lust" mean?

Die Lust (feminine) is a versatile German word. It primarily describes:

• A strong desire or inclination for something: die Lust auf Schokolade (the desire for chocolate), die Lust zu reisen (the desire/inclination to travel).
• Pleasure, enjoyment, or joy in an activity: Er arbeitet mit Lust und Liebe (He works with joy and dedication/love).
• In a narrower sense, also sensual or sexual desire (Begierde, lust).

It's exclusively a feminine noun; there are no 'der' or 'das' variations. So, it's always die Lust.

📝 Grammar Deep Dive: Declining "Lust"

"Die Lust" is a feminine noun. The plural form "die Lüste" is rarely used, mostly in elevated language or to express different kinds of desires.

Example Sentences

1. Ich habe große Lust auf ein Eis.
   I really feel like having an ice cream / I have a great desire for an ice cream.
2. Sie hat heute einfach keine Lust zu arbeiten.
   She simply doesn't feel like working today / has no inclination to work.
3. Er sang aus voller Lust.
   He sang with great gusto / out of sheer pleasure.
4. Manchmal überkommen ihn seltsame Lüste.
   Sometimes strange desires/lusts overcome him. (rare plural)

💡 How to Use "die Lust"?

"Die Lust" is very common, especially in fixed expressions:

• Lust auf etwas (Acc.) haben: This is the most frequent construction to express a desire or inclination for something. Example: Hast du Lust auf Kino? (Do you feel like going to the cinema?)
• Lust zu etwas (Infinitive with zu) haben: Expresses the inclination to do an activity. Example: Ich habe keine Lust aufzuräumen. (I don't feel like tidying up.)
• Keine Lust haben: A very common way to express disinterest or lack of motivation. (Lit.: to have no desire/lust)
• Nach Lust und Laune: Means "as one pleases," "on a whim," "at will." Example: Wir gestalten den Tag ganz nach Lust und Laune. (We're planning the day just as we please.)
• Mit Lust und Liebe: Expresses doing something with great joy and dedication. (Lit.: with pleasure/desire and love)

Context Matters: Although "Lust" can mean sexual desire, this is usually not the primary meaning in everyday conversation unless the context strongly suggests it.

Difference from 'Spaß' (fun): While 'Spaß' generally refers to the enjoyment *during* an activity, 'Lust' often refers to the desire *before* or the motivation *for* an activity.

🧠 Mnemonics for "Lust"

Article Mnemonic: Think of feminine feelings: die Freude (joy), die Liebe (love), die Neigung (inclination) - many emotions and states are feminine in German, including die Lust.

Meaning Mnemonic: "Lust" sounds very similar to the English word "lust," which covers one of its meanings (Begierde - strong desire). But remember: German "Lust" is broader – it also includes simple inclination and pleasure, like having Lust for lemonade.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Similar but Different Words:

• lustig: Adjective meaning "funny," "amusing," "merry," *not* "full of lust/desire." Someone who is lustig is cheerful, not necessarily desirous.

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Lehrer: "Fritzchen, warum bist du schon wieder zu spät?"
Fritzchen: "Ich hatte einfach keine Lust aufzustehen."
Lehrer: "Und warum hattest du keine Lust?"
Fritzchen: "Die Lust hatte wohl auch keine Lust aufzustehen!"

Translation:
The teacher asks: "Fritzchen, why are you late again?"
Fritzchen: "I simply didn't feel like getting up." (Lit: I had no Lust to get up)
Teacher: "And why didn't you feel like it?"
Fritzchen: "I guess 'die Lust' (the desire/feeling like it) didn't feel like getting up either!"

✍️ Poem about Lust (Desire/Pleasure)

Die Lust, mal laut, mal leise,
geht mit uns auf die Reise.
Mal Lust auf Schokolade süß,
mal auf den salzigen Meeresgruß.

Mal keine Lust, ganz ohne Frage,
an einem trüben Regentage.
Doch kommt sie wieder, sonnenklar,
die Lust aufs Leben, wunderbar!

Translation:
Desire, sometimes loud, sometimes quiet,
travels along with us.
Sometimes desire for sweet chocolate,
sometimes for the salty sea's greeting.

Sometimes no desire, without a doubt,
on a gloomy, rainy day.
But it returns, clear as sunlight,
the zest for life, wonderful!

❓ Riddle

Ich bin ein Gefühl, mal groß, mal klein,
treib dich an oder lass es sein.
Ich kann süß sein wie ein Kuss,
oder einfach nur Genuss.
Manchmal hast du mich auf Eis,
manchmal auf 'ne lange Reis'.

Was bin ich?

Translation:
I am a feeling, sometimes big, sometimes small,
I motivate you or let it be.
I can be sweet like a kiss,
or simply enjoyment.
Sometimes you have me for ice cream,
Sometimes for a long journey.

What am I?

Solution: die Lust (desire, inclination, pleasure)

🧩 Other Tidbits

Etymology: The word "Lust" comes from the Old High German word "lust," which generally meant "desire," "longing," or "joy."

Compound Words: "Lust" forms part of many compound nouns that specify the type of desire or pleasure:

• Lebenslust: Zest for life, joie de vivre
• Arbeitslust: Willingness/motivation to work (often used ironically in its opposite: Arbeitsunlust - reluctance to work)
• Kauflust: Desire to buy, spending spree
• Schaulust: Curiosity, often for sensations, rubbernecking
• Wanderlust: Desire to hike or travel (wanderlust)