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die Absicht
intention
A plan, goal, or intention to do something specific.
example
Ich habe die Absicht, nächstes Jahr eine lange Reise zu machen.
I intend to take a long trip next year.
die Absicht
intention
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Sentence structure with 'zu'
'Die Absicht' is very often used with the construction 'die Absicht haben, ... zu + infinitive' (to have the intention of ... -ing). This describes the plan or goal more precisely.
EXAMPLE
Sie hat die Absicht, Deutsch auf C1-Niveau zu lernen.
She intends to learn German to a C1 level.
Typical collocations
Common adjectives combined with 'Absicht' (intention) are 'fest' (firm), 'klar' (clear), 'gut' (good), or 'böse' (bad/evil). A typical phrase is also 'nicht die Absicht haben' (to not intend).
EXAMPLE
Ich hatte nicht die Absicht, dich zu stören.
I didn't intend to disturb you.
Fixed expression
The expression 'mit Absicht' (on purpose) is a fixed adverbial phrase and means 'deliberately' or 'intentionally.' It describes that an action did not happen by chance.
EXAMPLE
Das war kein Versehen, er hat dich mit Absicht ignoriert.
That wasn't an accident; he ignored you on purpose.
Compare with
Absicht vs Ziel
goal / destination / target
'das Ziel' and 'die Absicht' are closely related because both can describe what someone wants to achieve or do. 'Das Ziel' puts more emphasis on the result at the end. 'Die Absicht' puts more emphasis on the inner will or the reason why someone does something. The words can be confused when talking about plans. If the result is important, you are more likely to say 'Ziel'. If what someone intends to do or why someone is acting is important, 'Absicht' fits better.
Absicht
Maria hatte nicht die Absicht, dich mit ihrer Frage zu ärgern.
Maria did not intend to annoy you with her question.
Ziel
Unser Ziel ist, die Prüfung beim ersten Versuch zu bestehen.
Our goal is to pass the exam on the first attempt.
In real life
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