durstig
thirsty
To feel the physical need to take in liquid.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem langen Lauf war ich unglaublich durstig.
After the long run, I was incredibly thirsty.
durstig
thirsty
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Meanings
durstig
thirsty
In a figurative sense, to have a strong desire or greed for something, for example knowledge, success, or revenge.
EXAMPLE
Er war durstig nach Anerkennung und arbeitete Tag und Nacht.
He was thirsty for recognition and worked day and night.
Usage tips
Word family
The adjective 'durstig' (thirsty) is derived from the noun 'der Durst' (thirst). The ending '-ig' is a typical German way of forming an adjective from a noun.
EXAMPLE
Ein kühles Glas Wasser ist das Beste, wenn man durstig ist.
A cool glass of water is the best thing when you're thirsty.
Use with 'sein'
To express that you are thirsty, German very often uses the construction 'sein + durstig' (to be + thirsty).
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Sport bin ich immer besonders durstig.
After exercise, I'm always especially thirsty.
Fixed preposition 'nach'
In the figurative meaning, 'durstig' (thirsty) is almost always used with the preposition 'nach' and the dative. It describes a strong, greedy desire.
EXAMPLE
Die junge Journalistin war durstig nach einer großen Story.
The young journalist was thirsty for a big story.
Compare with
durstig vs hungrig
hungry
Hungrig auf and durstig nach both express a strong figurative desire. Hungrig uses the image of eating, while durstig uses the image of drinking, so the usual collocation often determines the choice. With success, durstig nach sounds more figurative.
durstig
In seiner bildhaften Rede nennt der Trainer das Team durstig nach Erfolg.
In his figurative speech, the coach describes the team as thirsty for success.
hungrig
Nach drei Niederlagen ist das Team hungrig auf Erfolg.
After three defeats, the team is hungry for success.
In real life
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