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sehnsüchtig
longing
Filled with a strong desire or longing for someone or something.
example
Sie wartete sehnsüchtig auf einen Brief von ihm.
She waited longingly for a letter from him.
sehnsüchtig
longing
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word composition
The word is derived from 'die Sehnsucht' (longing). This noun is itself an intense combination of '(sich) sehnen' (to long for) and 'die Sucht' (addiction). So it describes an almost addictive desire.
EXAMPLE
Mit sehnsüchtigem Blick schaute er dem abfahrenden Zug hinterher.
With a longing look, he watched the departing train.
Adjective or adverb
'Sehnsüchtig' (longing/longingly) can stand before a noun as an adjective or describe an action as an adverb. As an adverb, it often modifies verbs of waiting, looking, or thinking.
EXAMPLE
Er schrieb ihr einen sehnsüchtigen Brief.
He wrote her a longing letter.
Typical collocations
'Sehnsüchtig' (longing/longingly) is very often combined with verbs of waiting or expecting. A typical collocation is 'sehnsüchtig auf etwas warten' (to wait longingly for something).
EXAMPLE
Die Kinder warten sehnsüchtig auf den Weihnachtsmann.
The children are waiting longingly for Santa Claus.
Compare with
sehnsüchtig vs ungeduldig
impatient
'ungeduldig' and 'sehnsüchtig' can both have to do with waiting and a strong wish. The difference lies in the feeling. 'ungeduldig' means that you cannot wait calmly and may become nervous or irritated. 'sehnsüchtig' means that you strongly long for someone or something; the feeling is deeper and often softer or sadder. For example, you can wait impatiently for the bus, but longingly for a loved one. The words can be confused because both express that you want to have or experience something soon.
sehnsüchtig
Nach drei Monaten im Ausland wartet Maria sehnsüchtig auf den Besuch ihrer Eltern.
After three months abroad, Maria waits longingly for her parents' visit.
ungeduldig
Vor dem Schalter wird der Fahrer ungeduldig, weil die Schlange kaum vorankommt.
At the counter, the driver becomes impatient because the line is barely moving.
In real life
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