das Verlangen
desire
A strong wish or a deep need for someone or something.
EXAMPLE
Nach der langen Reise hatte sie ein großes Verlangen nach Ruhe.
After the long journey, she had a strong desire for rest.
das Verlangen
desire / request
das Verlangen, die Verlangen
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Meanings
das Verlangen
request
A specific demand or request that someone makes of another person.
EXAMPLE
Die Herausgabe der Unterlagen erfolgte auf Verlangen des Gerichts.
The documents were handed over at the court's request.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Verlangen, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| plural | die Verlangen |
| genitive | des Verlangens |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Verlangen | die Verlangen |
| accusative | das Verlangen | die Verlangen |
| dative | dem Verlangen | den Verlangen |
| genitive | des Verlangens | der Verlangen |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Correct preposition
The object of 'Verlangen' (desire) is often expressed using 'nach' (for) followed by the dative. This also applies when the desire is for a person.
EXAMPLE
Er spürte ein starkes Verlangen nach ihr.
He felt a strong desire for her.
Typical collocations
Typical phrases include 'ein Verlangen verspüren' (to feel a desire), 'ein Verlangen stillen' (to satisfy a desire), and 'einem Verlangen nachgeben' (to give in to a desire). With 'stillen' (to satisfy), 'Verlangen' (desire) is in the accusative; with 'nachgeben' (to give in), it is in the dative.
EXAMPLE
Mit einem Stück Schokolade stillte sie ihr Verlangen nach Süßem.
She satisfied her desire for something sweet with a piece of chocolate.
Schließlich gab er seinem Verlangen nach einer Zigarette nach.
Eventually, he gave in to his desire for a cigarette.
Fixed expression
The expression 'auf Verlangen' (on request) is used without an article and is especially common in administrative or legal texts. The person or institution making the request can be specified by a following genitive.
EXAMPLE
Auf Verlangen der Behörde muss der Eigentümer weitere Nachweise vorlegen.
At the authority's request, the owner must provide further evidence.
In real life
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