German word

begehren

Pronunciation

IPA/bəˈgeːʁən/

Meaning

  • verbwant

Example

Ich begehre nichts.

I don't want anything.

Illustration for begehren (want)

More examples

Er begehrt sie leidenschaftlich.

He passionately craves her.

Core concept

A person formally reaching toward something desired and presenting a clear request.

Common phrases

  • jemanden begehren

    crave someone

  • etwas begehren

    crave something

Similar words

wünschen: Gently express a wish or hope for something.
bitten: Politely ask someone for an action or help.
erbitten: Make a formal request for permission or assistance.
verlangen: Insist strongly on something as a right or claim.

Definition in German

formell um etwas bitten oder etwas verlangen; häufig in schriftlicher oder gehobener Sprache verwendet

Word origin

Begehren comes through Middle High German begeren from Old High German bigeren, a formed verb meaning to desire or request.

Usage tips

  • Begehren usually sounds formal or literary, while everyday speech more often uses wollen, wuenschen, or bitten according to the context.

Other meanings

  • craveverb
  • ask forverb
  • desireverb

Opposites

  • verabscheuenloatheverb

Related words

  • Begehrenlongingnoun
  • begehrenswertdesirableadjective

Word lists with this word