to long for
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to long for
To wish for something or someone with great, heartfelt longing. It expresses a deep, emotional desire.
Nach den anstrengenden Wochen ersehnte sie einfach nur ein paar Tage Ruhe.
After the exhausting weeks, she simply longed for a few days of rest.
The verb is based on 'sehnen' (to long/yearn) and is closely related to 'die Sehnsucht' (longing). The prefix 'er-' intensifies the meaning and expresses an intense, almost painful wish.
Die im Ausland lebenden Eltern ersehnen ein Wiedersehen mit ihren Kindern.
The parents living abroad long for a reunion with their children.
'Ersehnen' (to long for) is a very emotional and poetic word. It is used for deep, heartfelt wishes and is rather rare in everyday language. It is too strong for simple wishes.
Nach dem langen, kalten Winter ersehnen alle den Frühling.
After the long, cold winter, everyone longs for spring.
The verb is transitive and requires an accusative object. You can also use the reflexive form 'sich (Dativ) etwas ersehnen' (to long for something for oneself) to emphasize the personal meaning.
Der Gefangene ersehnte die Freiheit.
The prisoner longed for freedom.
to wish
'wünschen' and 'ersehnen' both describe that you would like to have or achieve something. 'wünschen' is the normal word and can be used for small and big things. 'ersehnen' is much stronger and more emotional. It fits when someone has been hoping for something very deeply or for a very long time, for example peace and quiet, freedom, or a person's return. In everyday life, people usually say 'wünschen'. 'ersehnen' is used when the wish is especially strong and almost painful.
Nach vielen Wochen Arbeit ersehnt Lena endlich ein freies Wochenende.
After many weeks of work, Lena is finally longing for a weekend off.
Mein Nachbar wünscht sich beim Frühstück einen ruhigen Tag.
At breakfast, my neighbor wishes for a quiet day.