German word

Passion

Pronunciation

IPA/paˈsi̯oːn/

Meaning

  • feminine nounpassion

Example

Er hat eine große Passion für klassische Musik.

He has a great passion for classical music.

Illustration for Passion (passion)

More examples

Der Pianist spielt mit Passion.

The pianist plays with passion.

Core concept

A lasting inner drive keeps someone absorbed in a pursuit such as classical music, beyond a casual liking.

Common phrases

  • künstlerische Passion

    artistic passion

  • mit Passion spielen

    play with passion

Similar words

Leidenschaft: A powerful, enduring feeling that keeps someone devoted to something.
Begeisterung: A temporary surge of excitement that boosts motivation to act.
Vorliebe: A marked preference for one thing over other available choices.
Interesse: A desire to learn more about or pay attention to a subject.

Definition in German

ein starkes, oft dauerhaftes Gefühl von Begeisterung oder Hingabe für eine Sache oder Tätigkeit.

Word origin

Passion entered German as a borrowing from French passion, ultimately from Latin passio, and expanded from suffering to intense emotional commitment.

Usage tips

  • Passion sounds somewhat elevated and intense in German, so Interesse or Hobby often fits better for an ordinary everyday pastime.

Other meanings

  • enthusiasmnoun
  • fervornoun

Opposites

  • Desinteressedisinterestnoun

Related words

  • passionslospassionlessadjective
  • passionalpassionateadjective

Word lists with this word