verlangen
verlangen في 30 ثانية
- Verlangen means to demand or require something formally or strongly.
- It can also mean to ask for a specific price in a shop.
- When used with 'nach', it expresses a deep craving or longing.
- It is a regular verb: verlangen, verlangte, hat verlangt.
The German verb verlangen is a multifaceted powerhouse of the German language, primarily functioning at the intersection of 'demanding', 'requiring', and 'desiring'. At its core, it signifies a strong expression of need or authority. When you use verlangen, you are not merely asking; you are asserting a claim or expressing a deep-seated necessity. This verb is essential for navigating everything from legal contracts to personal relationships and culinary cravings.
- The Authoritative Demand
- In a professional or legal context, it means to demand something as a right or a requirement. For example, a boss might demand a report by Friday.
- The Inherent Requirement
- It describes what a situation or task necessitates. Learning a language 'verlangt' (requires) patience and time.
- The Emotional Longing
- When paired with the preposition 'nach', it transforms into a verb of yearning or craving, often used for food, love, or justice.
Der Kunde verlangt eine sofortige Rückerstattung seines Geldes, da das Produkt defekt ist.
Understanding the nuance between verlangen and its synonyms like 'fordern' or 'brauchen' is key. While 'fordern' is often more aggressive and political, verlangen can be more personal or situational. It carries a weight of expectation. If someone 'verlangt' something from you, there is an implicit pressure to deliver. In the realm of desire, 'nach etwas verlangen' is more poetic and intense than simply 'etwas wollen'.
Diese Arbeit verlangt viel Konzentration und Genauigkeit von den Mitarbeitern.
Historically, the word stems from the Old High German 'firlangēn', related to making something 'long' or reaching out for it. This physical reaching evolved into the mental and social act of demanding. In modern German, it is a regular (weak) verb, making its conjugation straightforward, though its usage remains sophisticated. Whether you are at a restaurant 'verlangend' (craving) a specific dish or in a courtroom 'verlangend' (demanding) justice, this verb covers the spectrum of human insistence.
Nach einem langen Tag in der Kälte verlangt mein Körper nach einer heißen Suppe.
- Grammar Note
- It usually takes the accusative object (what is demanded) and can take a 'von' + dative construction (from whom).
Was verlangen Sie für dieses gebrauchte Auto?
Die Situation verlangt nach einer schnellen Entscheidung der Regierung.
Using verlangen correctly involves mastering three distinct syntactic patterns. Each pattern shifts the meaning slightly, from a formal demand to a physical requirement or an emotional craving. As an A2 learner, you'll mostly see the first two, but B1 and B2 levels will introduce the more nuanced prepositional use.
- Pattern 1: Direct Object (Accusative)
- Structure: [Subject] + [verlangen] + [Object]. This is used for prices or specific things. 'Er verlangt 50 Euro.' (He asks for/demands 50 Euros).
- Pattern 2: Demand from Someone (von + Dative)
- Structure: [Subject] + [verlangen] + [Object] + [von + Person]. 'Ich verlange Entschuldigung von dir.' (I demand an apology from you).
- Pattern 3: Longing for (nach + Dative)
- Structure: [Subject] + [verlangen] + [nach + Thing]. 'Sie verlangt nach Ruhe.' (She longs for/craves peace).
In professional settings, verlangen is often used in the passive voice or with modal verbs to express requirements. 'Es wird verlangt, dass...' (It is required that...). This is a common feature of official documents and job descriptions. When you see a job posting that says 'Wir verlangen fließendes Deutsch', it means fluency is a non-negotiable prerequisite.
Man kann nicht verlangen, dass alles an einem Tag fertig wird.
The verb is also reflexive in some rare, higher-level contexts, but for most learners, focusing on the transitive use is sufficient. Remember that the past tense is 'verlangte' and the perfect tense uses 'haben' with 'verlangt'. It is a weak verb, so it follows the standard pattern without vowel shifts: verlangen - verlangte - hat verlangt.
You will encounter verlangen in a variety of everyday and formal situations in Germany. One of the most common places is in retail or private sales. If you are at a flea market (Flohmarkt), you might hear: 'Wie viel verlangen Sie dafür?' This is a polite but direct way to ask for the price. In this context, it isn't an aggressive demand, but a standard inquiry into the seller's expectations.
In the workplace, verlangen is ubiquitous. During meetings, a manager might outline what the project 'verlangt' from the team. It sets a tone of necessity and professional obligation. You'll also see it in 'Allgemeine Geschäftsbedingungen' (Terms and Conditions). Companies use it to state what they require from the customer, such as valid identification or timely payment.
Der Chef verlangt absolute Pünktlichkeit von allen Mitarbeitern.
In the news and media, verlangen is used when politicians or activists make demands. 'Die Opposition verlangt den Rücktritt des Ministers' (The opposition demands the minister's resignation). Here, it carries the weight of political pressure. Similarly, in legal dramas or real-life court reporting, you'll hear about the 'Staatsanwaltschaft' (prosecution) 'verlangend' a certain sentence for a defendant.
Lastly, in literature and music, the 'nach etwas verlangen' form is very common. It adds a romantic or existential layer. A song might talk about 'das Verlangen nach Freiheit' (the longing for freedom). In this sense, it moves away from the cold world of contracts and into the warm world of human emotion.
One of the most frequent errors for English speakers is confusing verlangen with 'fragen' (to ask). While 'ask' can sometimes mean 'demand' in English (e.g., 'They are asking a lot of money'), in German, 'fragen' is strictly for questions. If you want to say someone is asking for a high price, you must use verlangen or 'fordern', never 'fragen'.
- Mistake: Using 'fragen' for prices
- Incorrect: 'Er fragt 100 Euro für das Ticket.'
Correct: 'Er verlangt 100 Euro für das Ticket.' - Mistake: Wrong Preposition
- Incorrect: 'Ich verlange für Hilfe.'
Correct: 'Ich verlange nach Hilfe.' (Longing) or 'Ich verlange Hilfe.' (Demanding).
Another common pitfall is the intensity of the word. Beginners often use verlangen when they should use 'wollen' or 'möchte'. If you say 'Ich verlange ein Bier' in a bar, you will sound incredibly rude or like a character in a movie. It sounds like you are exercising an absolute right to that beer, rather than ordering it as a customer. Stick to 'Ich hätte gerne' or 'Ich möchte'.
Falsch: Ich verlange ein Glas Wasser, bitte.
Richtig: Ich hätte gerne ein Glas Wasser.
Finally, don't confuse verlangen with 'verlängern' (to lengthen/extend). They sound similar but 'verlängern' is what you do with a visa or a library book. 'Verlangen' is what you do when you want that book immediately.
German has several words for 'demanding' or 'needing', and choosing the right one depends on the level of urgency and the context. verlangen sits in the middle of the spectrum.
- Fordern vs. Verlangen
- 'Fordern' is more aggressive and often used in political or legal contexts (e.g., 'Forderungen stellen'). 'Verlangen' is slightly more general and can be personal.
- Erfordern vs. Verlangen
- 'Erfordern' is used for impersonal requirements. 'Das Projekt erfordert Zeit.' While you can use 'verlangen' here too, 'erfordern' is more formal and specific to necessity.
- Bitten vs. Verlangen
- 'Bitten' is a polite request. 'Verlangen' is a demand. Use 'bitten' with your friends and 'verlangen' with your insurance company.
Die Prüfung erfordert (requires) viel Vorbereitung, aber der Lehrer verlangt (demands) auch exzellente Ergebnisse.
Another interesting comparison is with 'sehnen' (to yearn). While 'sich sehnen nach' is purely emotional and often passive, 'nach etwas verlangen' feels more active and urgent. If you 'verlangst nach Wasser', you are likely thirsty and need it now. If you 'sehnst dich nach dem Meer', you are daydreaming about your next vacation.
How Formal Is It?
مستوى الصعوبة
قواعد يجب معرفتها
Accusative objects
Dative with prepositions (von, nach)
Subordinate clauses with 'dass'
Weak verb conjugation
Passive voice
أمثلة حسب المستوى
Was verlangen Sie für den Apfel?
What are you asking for the apple?
Direct object 'den Apfel' in accusative.
Ich verlange nicht viel.
I don't demand much.
Simple present tense.
Verlangst du Geld von mir?
Are you demanding money from me?
Use of 'von' + dative.
Er verlangt eine Antwort.
He demands an answer.
Accusative feminine 'eine Antwort'.
Wir verlangen Ruhe.
We demand quiet.
Simple plural subject.
Verlangen Sie Hilfe?
Do you require help?
Formal 'Sie' form.
Sie verlangt 5 Euro.
She is asking for 5 Euros.
Price demand.
Das Kind verlangt nach der Mutter.
The child is calling/longing for the mother.
Prepositional 'nach' + dative.
Die Arbeit verlangt viel Zeit.
The work requires a lot of time.
Subject is an abstract noun.
Mein Chef verlangt Überstunden.
My boss demands overtime.
Plural accusative object.
Was verlangt man in diesem Kurs?
What is required in this course?
Impersonal 'man' subject.
Ich verlange eine Erklärung von dir.
I demand an explanation from you.
Standard demand pattern.
Das Gesetz verlangt einen Ausweis.
The law requires an ID.
Formal requirement.
Er hat zu viel Geld verlangt.
He asked for too much money.
Perfekt tense with 'hat'.
Verlangen Sie eine Quittung?
Do you require a receipt?
Professional context.
Die Pflanze verlangt nach Wasser.
The plant needs/craves water.
Metaphorical longing.
Ich verlange, dass du mir die Wahrheit sagst.
I demand that you tell me the truth.
Dass-clause as object.
Nach dem Sport verlangt mein Körper nach Ruhe.
After sports, my body craves rest.
Physical longing.
Die Versicherung verlangt ein ärztliches Attest.
The insurance requires a medical certificate.
Formal administrative requirement.
Wie viel Miete verlangt der Vermieter?
How much rent is the landlord asking for?
Common real estate context.
Das Leben verlangt manchmal schwere Entscheidungen.
Life sometimes requires difficult decisions.
Philosophical usage.
Sie verlangte wütend ihr Geld zurück.
She angrily demanded her money back.
Präteritum (past tense).
Es wird von uns verlangt, flexibel zu sein.
It is required of us to be flexible.
Passive construction.
Verlangen Sie nach dem Manager!
Ask for the manager!
Imperative form.
Die Stelle verlangt fließende Englischkenntnisse.
The position requires fluent English skills.
Professional requirement.
Man kann nicht Unmögliches von mir verlangen.
One cannot demand the impossible from me.
Substantivized adjective 'Unmögliches'.
Die Situation verlangt sofortiges Handeln.
The situation demands immediate action.
Urgency context.
Er verlangte Einsicht in die Akten.
He demanded access to the files.
Legal terminology.
Das Publikum verlangte eine Zugabe.
The audience demanded an encore.
Cultural context.
Ich verlange Wiedergutmachung für den Schaden.
I demand compensation for the damage.
Formal claim.
Die Natur verlangt ihren Tribut.
Nature takes its toll.
Idiomatic expression.
Sie verlangte nach Gerechtigkeit.
She cried out for justice.
Abstract longing.
Die Komplexität der Materie verlangt eine tiefgehende Analyse.
The complexity of the matter requires an in-depth analysis.
Academic register.
Es ist zu viel verlangt, dass er sich ändert.
It is asking too much for him to change.
Common phrase 'zu viel verlangt'.
Die Gläubiger verlangen die Rückzahlung der Schulden.
The creditors demand the repayment of the debts.
Financial context.
Sein Stolz verlangte es, die Herausforderung anzunehmen.
His pride demanded that he accept the challenge.
Internal motivation.
Die Souveränität des Staates verlangt Respekt.
The sovereignty of the state demands respect.
Political discourse.
Das Schicksal verlangte ihm alles ab.
Fate demanded everything of him.
Dative 'ihm' + 'abverlangen' nuance.
Sie verlangte nach dem Sinn des Lebens.
She yearned for the meaning of life.
Existential longing.
Die Architektur verlangt nach einer modernen Lösung.
The architecture calls for a modern solution.
Design/Artistic context.
Das Werk verlangt dem Leser höchste Konzentration ab.
The work demands the utmost concentration from the reader.
Sophisticated 'abverlangen' usage.
Die diplomatische Krise verlangt nach Fingerspitzengefühl.
The diplomatic crisis calls for tact/finesse.
Metaphorical 'Fingerspitzengefühl'.
Es wäre vermessen, eine solche Leistung zu verlangen.
It would be presumptuous to demand such a performance.
Evaluative adjective 'vermessen'.
Das Gesetz der Serie verlangt, dass ein Unglück selten allein kommt.
The law of averages/series dictates that misfortunes rarely come alone.
Philosophical/Proverbial.
Ihr inneres Verlangen trieb sie zu Höchstleistungen.
Her inner desire drove her to peak performance.
Noun usage 'das Verlangen'.
Die Ästhetik des Films verlangt eine subtile Beleuchtung.
The film's aesthetics require subtle lighting.
Artistic theory.
Er verlangte kategorisch die Einhaltung der Verträge.
He categorically demanded compliance with the contracts.
Adverbial 'kategorisch'.
Die Geschichte verlangt nach einer objektiven Aufarbeitung.
History calls for an objective reappraisal.
Historiographical context.
تلازمات شائعة
العبارات الشائعة
يُخلط عادةً مع
تعبيرات اصطلاحية
سهل الخلط
أنماط الجُمل
كيفية الاستخدام
Verlangen is more about the 'what' and 'from whom', while fordern is more about the 'act of demanding'.
Very common in both spoken and written German.
- Confusing with 'verlängern'.
- Using 'fragen' for prices.
- Using it too aggressively in casual settings.
- Forgetting the 'nach' for cravings.
- Using the wrong case after 'von'.
نصائح
Case Control
Always put the object in the accusative case.
Softening Demands
Use 'Ich muss verlangen' to sound slightly more professional and less bossy.
Price Talk
Use it when bargaining to ask what the seller wants.
Abstract Needs
Use it for things like 'patience' or 'time' to sound more natural.
News Keywords
Listen for this word during reports on labor unions (Gewerkschaften).
The 'Long' Connection
Remember that you want something for a 'long' time, so you 'verlangen' it.
Nach + Dative
Use 'nach' for physical needs like water or sleep.
Don't say 'fragen'
Never use 'fragen' when you mean 'asking for a price'.
Formal Documents
Look for 'verlangt' in job ads to see what you must provide.
Abverlangen
Use 'abverlangen' when a task takes a lot out of someone.
احفظها
أصل الكلمة
Old High German 'firlangēn'
السياق الثقافي
The standard term for claiming damages or rights.
Can sound rude if used instead of 'bitten' (to ask politely).
Used in contracts and job descriptions to list non-negotiable skills.
تدرّب في الحياة الواقعية
سياقات واقعية
بدايات محادثة
"Was verlangst du von einem guten Freund?"
"Wie viel Miete verlangen sie in deiner Stadt?"
"Verlangt dein Job viel Geduld?"
"Nach was verlangt dein Körper nach einem langen Tag?"
"Ist es zu viel verlangt, pünktlich zu sein?"
مواضيع للكتابة اليومية
Schreibe über etwas, das das Leben von dir verlangt.
Was verlangst du von deiner Zukunft?
Beschreibe eine Situation, in der du eine Entschuldigung verlangt hast.
Nach welchen Dingen verlangst du, wenn du gestresst bist?
Welche Fähigkeiten verlangt dein Traumjob?
الأسئلة الشائعة
10 أسئلةNo, it is usually direct and firm. Use 'bitten' for politeness.
Yes, with 'nach' to express a strong craving.
'Fordern' is often used for rights or in politics, 'verlangen' is more general.
The thing demanded is accusative; the person it's from is 'von' + dative.
Ich verlange eine Entschuldigung.
Yes, in the sense of 'this situation requires/needs X'.
Yes, it means 'the desire' or 'the craving'.
No, 'ver-' is an inseparable prefix.
verlangt.
It's better to use a 'dass'-clause.
اختبر نفسك 79 أسئلة
/ 79 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
Verlangen is the essential verb for moving beyond simple 'wanting' into the realm of 'demanding' and 'requiring'. It bridges the gap between commercial transactions, professional expectations, and deep emotional needs.
- Verlangen means to demand or require something formally or strongly.
- It can also mean to ask for a specific price in a shop.
- When used with 'nach', it expresses a deep craving or longing.
- It is a regular verb: verlangen, verlangte, hat verlangt.
Case Control
Always put the object in the accusative case.
Softening Demands
Use 'Ich muss verlangen' to sound slightly more professional and less bossy.
Price Talk
Use it when bargaining to ask what the seller wants.
Abstract Needs
Use it for things like 'patience' or 'time' to sound more natural.
محتوى ذو صلة
عبارات ذات صلة
مزيد من كلمات communication
Ablehnung
A2الرفض أو الامتناع؛ فعل عدم قبول شيء أو شخص ما.
abonnieren
B1هو أن تسجل للحصول على شيء بانتظام، مثل مجلة أو خدمة بث، فتصلك تلقائيًا.
Absage
B1رفض أو إلغاء. 'تلقيت رفضاً للوظيفة.'
absagen
A2إلغاء موعد أو حدث
Abschied
A2فعل توديع شخص ما أو المغادرة. إنها لحظة الانفصال عن الأصدقاء أو العائلة.
Absender
A1الشخص أو الجهة التي ترسل شيئاً، خاصة رسالة أو طرداً. هو مصدر الإرسال.
Achtung
A2انتباه! القطار قادم.
Ähnlichkeit
A2هي الصفة التي تجمع بين شيئين أو شخصين وتجعلهما يبدوان متشابهين.
Akzent
A2لديه لكنة ألمانية واضحة جداً.
anbieten
A1عرض شيء ما على شخص ما. 'أعرض عليك مساعدتي.' (Ich biete dir meine Hilfe an.)