English–German

“ambition” in German

German

AlsoAmbition

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈeːɐ̯gaɪ̯ts/

Example

Sie zeigte viel Ehrgeiz in der Schule.

She showed a lot of ambition at school.

Illustration for Ehrgeiz (ambition)

How to say “ambition” in German

“Ambition” in German is Ehrgeiz.

A sustained inner drive to excel and rise through achievement.

Full entry for Ehrgeiz: usage tips, similar words and word origin

Example sentences with Ehrgeiz

Er zeigte großen Ehrgeiz bei der Projektleitung.

He showed great ambition in leading the project.

Tips for using Ehrgeiz

  • Ehrgeiz can sound approving or critical, so German often clarifies its direction with phrases such as beruflicher Ehrgeiz or übertriebener Ehrgeiz.

Other German words for “ambition”

Seine Ambitionen sind groß; er will Chef werden.

His ambitions are high; he wants to become the boss.

“ambition” in other languages