noun

der Wunsch, ¨-e

wish

Ein Gedanke oder Gefühl, bei dem man etwas haben oder erleben möchte.

Definition & meaning

Wunsch means a wish or desire: something a person hopes for or would like to happen or have.

It can also mean a request, especially when someone tells another person what they would like. The exact meaning depends on context.

Grammar & Word origin

Wunsch is a masculine noun: der Wunsch. Its plural is Wünsche, with an umlaut. The related verb is wünschen (“to wish” or “to want”).

The noun comes from an old Germanic word for a wish or desire.

Synonyms & antonyms

There is no single synonym that fits every use:

Verlangen means a strong desire or urge; it can sound more intense than Wunsch.
Bedürfnis is a need, often something more basic or necessary than a wish.
Sehnsucht is a deep, often wistful longing.
Bitte means a request or appeal, so it fits when Wunsch refers to asking for something.

There is no direct antonym. Abneigung (“aversion”) can contrast with a desire for something; Ablehnung (“rejection”) can contrast with a wish or request being accepted.