adjectiveverb

begehrt

desired · seek · sought-after

Von vielen Menschen gewünscht oder gewollt.

Definition & meaning

Begehrt means highly desired, sought-after, or in great demand. It describes a person or thing that many people want, value, or try to obtain.

It can also mean simply desired or wanted, as the past participle of the verb begehren , “to desire” or “to want.”

Die Stelle ist sehr begehrt. — The position is highly sought-after.
Der begehrte Gegenstand wurde versteigert. — The desired item was auctioned.

Grammar & word origin

Begehrt is an adjective and the past participle (Partizip II) of begehren . As an adjective, it takes endings according to its grammatical context: begehrte Ware (“sought-after goods”), ein begehrter Platz (“a coveted spot”).

The verb begehren means “to desire” or “to covet.” Begehrt developed from its participle form and is commonly used adjectivally to describe something that is much wanted.

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms

gefragt — “in demand”; emphasizes that many people are looking for or requesting something.
umworben — “courted” or “wooed”; emphasizes active efforts by others to win someone or something.
erwünscht — “desired” or “welcome”; does not necessarily imply that many people want it.
beliebt — “popular” or “liked”; emphasizes approval or affection, rather than strong demand.

Antonyms

un begehrt — “not sought-after”; the direct opposite in terms of demand.
unerwünscht — “unwanted” or “undesirable”; stronger than merely not being in demand.
unbeliebt — “unpopular” or “disliked”; emphasizes lack of affection or approval.