01
der Drang
urge
A strong inner need, drive, or strong desire to do something specific.
example
Er verspürte einen unwiderstehlichen Drang, Schokolade zu essen.
He felt an irresistible urge to eat chocolate.
der Drang
urge
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word family
'Der Drang' (the urge) is the noun related to the verb 'drängen' (to push / to press), which means 'schieben' (to push) or 'pressen' (to press). So it describes a force that pushes someone from within toward an action.
EXAMPLE
Der Drang nach Veränderung war so stark, dass sie ihren Job kündigte.
The urge for change was so strong that she quit her job.
Use with infinitive
'Der Drang' (the urge) is very often used with a verb like 'haben' (to have), 'verspüren' (to feel), or 'fühlen' (to feel), and an infinitive construction with 'zu' (to), to describe the desired action.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe oft den Drang, einfach alles stehen und liegen zu lassen und zu verreisen.
I often have the urge to simply drop everything and go traveling.
Use with preposition
When the object of the urge is a noun, the preposition 'nach' (for / after) with the dative is often used.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem langen Winter spürte sie einen starken Drang nach Sonne und Wärme.
After the long winter, she felt a strong urge for sun and warmth.
Compare with
Drang vs Lust
desire / pleasure
'die Lust' and 'der Drang' both have to do with wanting to do something. But 'Lust' usually sounds lighter and more pleasant: you want something because it is fun or because you feel ready for it at the moment. 'Drang' is stronger and more internal. It sounds as if you can hardly do otherwise, or as if you are very strongly drawn to something. Learners may confuse the words because both express wanting. As a practical rule: for a normal wish or feeling of wanting to do something, you are more likely to say 'Lust'; for a strong inner need, 'Drang' is more likely.
Drang
Nach dem Streit hatte Tom den Drang, sofort frische Luft zu holen.
After the argument, Tom had the urge to get some fresh air right away.
Lust
Nach der Arbeit habe ich Lust auf einen Spaziergang im Park.
After work, I feel like taking a walk in the park.
In real life
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