Dreaming in Deutsch: Talking About Wishes and Goals

Okay, so here I am, six months into living in Berlin. It’s… a lot. The language, the pace of life, the coffee. But honestly, one of the biggest hurdles, and also one of the most rewarding parts of the whole experience, has been learning how to talk about what I want. Not just in a general, “I want to be happy” kind of way, but actually discussing specific goals and aspirations. And let me tell you, the German way of doing it is… different.

The First Time I Tried

The first time I really attempted to talk about my dreams, I was at a Stammtisch – a regular drinking and chatting group – with some colleagues from work. I’d been trying to learn basic phrases, and I wanted to express that I hoped to get a promotion eventually. I blurted out, “Ich wünsche mir… eine Beförderung!” (I wish for… a promotion!).

The reaction wasn’t quite what I expected. A few people chuckled, and one guy, Steven, said, “Ach, das ist ein großes Wünschen, Alice! (Oh, that’s a big wish, Alice!)” It wasn’t hostile, but it felt… underwhelming. I realized I’d phrased it so bluntly, like a demand. I felt a little embarrassed.

Understanding the Nuances of “Wünschen”

The word “wünschen” itself means “to wish,” but it’s a far cry from simply stating a desire. It feels a little too formal, too… optimistic, perhaps. You don’t just “wish” for something in German like you might in English. It’s more about expressing a hope or a goal.

Here are some phrases that felt more natural, and that I’ve found are actually useful:

• Ich hoffe, dass… (I hope that…) – This is your go-to. “Ich hoffe, dass ich bald mehr Deutsch spreche.” (I hope that I’ll soon speak more German.)
• Mein Ziel ist… (My goal is…) – This is more direct and sets a clear intention. “Mein Ziel ist es, einen Roman zu schreiben.” (My goal is to write a novel.)
• Ich würde gerne… (I would like to…) – This is a polite way to express a desire, especially when making a request or suggestion. “Ich würde gerne mehr Zeit in der Natur verbringen.” (I would like to spend more time in nature.)

Conversations About Dreams – Real Examples

Let’s look at some scenarios I’ve encountered, and how I’ve tried to respond:

• Scenario 1: With my Landlord, Herr Müller. I wanted to explain that I was saving up to buy an apartment. I initially said, “Ich brauche Geld!” (I need money!). He looked concerned. He responded with, “Das ist gut! Aber ich wünsche Ihnen viel Erfolg beim Sparen!” (That’s good! But I wish you much success in saving!). It was a much more supportive and encouraging response than I expected.

• Scenario 2: Talking about travel with a friend, Lena. I was telling her about my dream to backpack through South America. I awkwardly said, “Ich will nach Südamerika!” (I want to go to South America!). Lena corrected me gently. “Nein, Alice, sag lieber: ‘Ich träume davon, nach Südamerika zu reisen.’” (No, Alice, it’s better to say: ‘I’m dreaming of travelling to South America.’). “Träumen” (to dream) carries a much more romantic and aspirational feel.

Beyond “Wünschen” – Related Vocabulary

Here are a few other key words and phrases that have become essential for me when talking about wishes and dreams:

• Ziele (Goals): – “Was sind deine Ziele?” (What are your goals?)
• Träume (Dreams): – “Ich habe große Träume!” (I have big dreams!)
• Ambitionen (Ambitions): – “Ich habe große Ambitionen im Job.” (I have big ambitions at work.)
• Verwirklichen (To realize): – “Ich möchte meine Träume verwirklichen.” (I want to realize my dreams.)

Don’t Be Afraid to Make Mistakes!

Seriously, I’ve made so many mistakes! I’ve accidentally used the wrong verb tenses, gotten my word order completely mixed up, and definitely butchered the pronunciation. But you know what? Germans are incredibly patient and appreciative of the effort. They’ve often said, “Kein Problem!” (No problem!) after I stumble over a word. It’s a reminder that it’s okay to not be perfect. Focus on trying to communicate, and don’t worry too much about grammar at this stage.

My Current Dream… and Yours?

Right now, my biggest dream is to feel truly fluent in German. To be able to have these kinds of conversations effortlessly, and to understand the nuances of the language and culture. But I also know that dreams evolve, and that’s okay.

What’s your dream? What are you hoping for, and how can you start talking about it in German? “Frag mich nichts!” (Don’t ask me anything!) – but I hope this has given you a little bit of a starting point. Viel Erfolg! (Good luck!)