01
sich sehnen nach
to long for
To have a strong, often painful desire for someone or something that is absent or unreachable.
example
Nach dem langen Winter sehne ich mich nach Sonne und Wärme.
After the long winter, I long for sun and warmth.
sehnen
to long
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Meanings
Usage tips
Fixed structure
This verb is reflexive and is always used with the preposition 'nach' and the dative. The fixed structure is: Jemand sehnt sich nach etwas/jemandem (someone longs for something/someone).
EXAMPLE
Die Kinder sehnen sich schon nach den Sommerferien.
The children are already longing for the summer holidays.
Word family
The verb 'sich sehnen' (to long) belongs to the noun 'die Sehnsucht' (longing). Both describe a strong, deep, and often emotional desire for something or someone.
EXAMPLE
Seine Sehnsucht nach der alten Heimat wurde immer stärker.
His longing for his old homeland grew stronger and stronger.
Typical collocations
People often long for things connected with positive feelings, places, or people. Typical examples are: sich nach 'der Heimat' (home/homeland), 'Liebe' (love), 'Ruhe' (peace/quiet), or 'Freiheit' (freedom) sehnen.
EXAMPLE
Nach der anstrengenden Woche sehnte sie sich nur noch nach Ruhe und einem guten Buch.
After the exhausting week, she longed only for peace and a good book.
Compare with
sehnen vs vermissen
to miss
'vermissen' and 'sich sehnen nach' both describe a feeling caused by someone or something not being there. 'vermissen' is very common in everyday language and fits when you miss a person, a place, or a thing. 'sich sehnen nach' is stronger and more emotional. It means a deep longing, often for something that is far away or seems hard to reach. Learners may confuse the words because both can sound sad. 'Vermissen' is more neutral and everyday; 'sich sehnen nach' sounds more intense.
sehnen
Viele Menschen sehnen sich im Winter nach Sonne und Wärme.
Many people long for sun and warmth in winter.
vermissen
Nach zwei Wochen im Ausland vermisse ich meine Familie.
After two weeks abroad, I miss my family.
In real life
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