nounverb

das Verlangen, –

longing · desire

Ein starkes inneres Bedürfnis oder ein Wunsch nach etwas.

Definition & meaning

The word Verlangen exists in German as both a noun (das Verlangen) and a verb (verlangen).

As a noun, das Verlangen primarily refers to a strong inner wish, a longing, or a craving for something or someone. It describes an intense emotional state where a person feels a deep need to obtain or experience something. In a more formal or legal context, it can also mean a request or a demand made by an individual or an authority.

As a verb, verlangen has several nuances:

To demand or insist: When someone firmly asks for something they believe they are entitled to (e.g., demanding an explanation or a certain price).
To require or call for: When a situation or task necessitates a specific quality or action (e.g., "This job requires a lot of patience").
To crave or desire: A more poetic or intense way of expressing a wish for someone or something.

Grammar & Word origin

Grammar:

Noun: das Verlangen is a neuter noun. It is often used in the singular. Its genitive form is des Verlangens.
Verb: verlangen is a weak (regular) verb. Its principal parts are: verlangt (present), verlangte (past), and hat verlangt (perfect). It is typically used with the preposition nach when expressing a longing (e.g., nach jemandem verlangen).

Word Origin: The word is composed of the prefix ver- and the verb langen . The root langen originally means "to reach" or "to stretch out." Combined with the prefix ver-, the meaning shifted toward reaching out for something with the mind or heart, thus creating the sense of "longing" or "demanding." It is closely related to the English word "long" (as in "to long for something").