B2 · Obere Mittelstufe Kapitel 13

Setting Goals and Intentions

4 Gesamtregeln
40 Beispiele
6 Min.
Regeln in diesem Kapitel Schnelle Übung

Chapter in 30 Seconds

Master the sophisticated art of expressing professional intentions and project goals in native-level Korean.

  • Articulate your specific career and project objectives using formal structures.
  • Connect your intentions to future outcomes with precision.
  • Define clear limits and desired results in professional settings.
Speak with purpose, lead with clarity.

Was du lernen wirst

Ready to take your Korean communication to the next level? In this B2 chapter, you'll master the art of expressing your goals and intentions with impressive precision, especially in professional and formal settings. Forget basic statements – we're diving into the subtle power of Korean grammar to make your speech and writing sound genuinely native. You'll start by exploring '-고자', a super useful connective ending that lets you articulate serious purposes, like when you're explaining your project objectives in a business meeting, or outlining your career aspirations in a job interview. We'll fine-tune this by looking at how '고자' works best when the subject of your intention stays the same throughout the sentence, adding a layer of coherence and sophistication. Then, you'll learn to confidently use '-고자 하다' to explicitly state your personal intentions in a professional and clear manner – think 'I intend to submit the report by Friday' with perfect Korean phrasing. Finally, we'll uncover the versatility of '-도록'. This powerful ending isn't just about setting goals; it's also perfect for expressing desired results, defining limits, or giving polite, yet firm, instructions. Imagine telling a colleague, 'Please make sure the task is completed by tomorrow,' or describing a process 'so that everyone understands.' By the end of this chapter, you won't just know these forms; you'll intuitively understand *when* and *how* to deploy them. You'll be able to navigate formal discussions, articulate complex plans, and give nuanced directions, all while sounding incredibly professional and natural in Korean. Get ready to upgrade your expressive power!

Learning Objectives

By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

  1. 1
    By the end you will be able to: Use -고자 to state your project goals in a formal meeting.
  2. 2
    By the end you will be able to: Define task limits using -도록 to ensure team alignment.

Kapitel-Leitfaden

Overview

Welcome to your B2 Korean grammar journey, where we're elevating your communication skills to a truly advanced level! This chapter,
Setting Goals and Intentions,
is designed to equip you with the nuanced tools needed to express your aims and purposes with clarity and sophistication, especially in professional and formal environments. Moving beyond basic expressions, you'll master how native Korean speakers articulate their objectives, plans, and desired outcomes.
We'll dive deep into three powerful structures: -고자, -고자 하다, and -도록. Understanding these forms is crucial for anyone aiming for fluency and cultural competence, enabling you to participate effectively in business meetings, academic discussions, or any situation requiring precise formal language. By the end of this chapter, you'll not only understand the mechanics of these Korean grammar B2 patterns but also their appropriate usage, helping you sound more natural and professional.
In the realm of B2 Korean, precision is paramount. These grammar points allow you to convey deep intentions and specific results, ensuring your message is understood exactly as you mean it. Whether you're outlining project goals, stating your career aspirations, or giving polite but firm instructions, the structures taught here will empower you.
Get ready to refine your Korean expression and confidently navigate complex conversations, making your speech and writing genuinely impactful.

How This Grammar Works

Let's break down the core mechanisms of these essential B2 Korean grammar structures.
First, we have -고자. This connective ending attaches to verb stems and means in order to or
with the intention of.
It's predominantly used in formal contexts, such as presentations, reports, or speeches, to state a serious purpose. A key characteristic of -고자 is that the subject of the main clause and the -고자 clause are almost always the same, ensuring a clear and coherent flow of intention.
For example:
* 저는 이 프로젝트를 성공시키고자 최선을 다하겠습니다. (I will do my best in order to make this project successful.)
* 새로운 기술을 도입하고자 회의를 개최했습니다. (We held a meeting in order to introduce new technology.)
Next, we build on this with -고자 하다. This expression explicitly translates to I intend to or I plan to, directly stating the speaker's personal intention in a formal and clear manner. It's perfect for professional settings where you need to declare your objectives or commitments.
Like -고자, it retains its formal tone and is typically used when the speaker is the subject. For example:
* 저는 다음 주까지 보고서를 제출하고자 합니다. (I intend to submit the report by next week.)
* 저희 팀은 새로운 시장에 진출하고자 합니다. (Our team intends to enter the new market.)
Finally, we explore the versatile ending -도록. Attached to verb or adjective stems, -도록 expresses a range of meanings including so that,
to the extent that,
until, or
in such a way that.
It's incredibly useful for projecting desired results, defining limits, or giving instructions. Unlike -고자, the subjects of the two clauses connected by -도록 can be different.
* 모든 팀원들이 이해할 수 있도록 자세히 설명해 주세요. (Please explain in detail so that all team members can understand.) (Desired result)
* 프로젝트가 완료될 때까지 밤샘 작업을 하도록 하겠습니다. (I will work overnight until the project is completed.) (Limit/Extent)
* 내일까지 이 서류를 준비해 오도록 하세요. (Please make sure to prepare these documents by tomorrow.) (Instruction)

Common Mistakes

  1. 1✗ Wrong: 저는 친구를 만나려고 고향에 가고자 합니다.
✓ Correct: 저는 친구를 만나러 고향에 가려고 합니다.
*Explanation:* -고자 and -고자 하다 are formal and often used for more serious, planned intentions. For casual intentions like
going to meet a friend,
-으려고 하다 or -러 가다 is more natural.
  1. 1✗ Wrong: 이 문제를 해결하고자, 우리는 노력해야 합니다. (This is grammatically correct but often sounds unnatural in speech if the subject changes implicitly or is not clearly defined.)
✓ Correct: 이 문제를 해결하기 위해, 우리는 노력해야 합니다.
*Explanation:* While -고자 usually requires the same subject, -기 위해(서) is more flexible and can be used when the subjects are different or when emphasizing the means to achieve a goal. -고자 is more about the *speaker's* intention.
  1. 1✗ Wrong: 나는 네가 행복하도록 노력할게. (While grammatically possible, the nuance is a bit off for a direct "I'll try to make you happy.")
✓ Correct: 나는 네가 행복하게 노력할게. (More natural for "I'll try to make you happy" focusing on the adverbial 'happily') OR
✓ Correct: 네가 행복하도록 내가 도울게. (I'll help you so that you can be happy.)
*Explanation:* -도록 expresses a result or limit. When the intention is more about *how* something is done (e.g., 'happily'), -게 is often more appropriate. -도록 is better when the first clause is a means to achieve the second clause's result, or when giving an instruction.

Real Conversations

A

A

이번 프로젝트의 목표는 무엇입니까? (What is the goal of this project?)
B

B

저희 팀은 시장 점유율을 10% 증가시키고자 합니다. (Our team intends to increase market share by 10%.)
A

A

회의 자료는 언제까지 준비하면 될까요? (By when should the meeting materials be prepared?)
B

B

모든 참석자들이 검토할 수 있도록 내일 오전까지 준비해 주십시오. (Please prepare them by tomorrow morning so that all attendees can review them.)
A

A

신제품 개발에 대한 보고서를 작성해야 합니다. (I need to write a report on new product development.)
B

B

팀원들과 협력하여 신속하게 보고서를 완성하고자 합니다. (I intend to complete the report quickly by collaborating with team members.)

Quick FAQ

Q

What's the main difference between -고자 and -기 위해(서) when expressing purpose in Korean grammar?

-고자 typically implies a speaker's strong, personal intention or a formal organizational objective, usually requiring the same subject for both clauses. -기 위해(서) is more general for in order to and can be used with different subjects, emphasizing the means to achieve a goal.

Q

Can -도록 be used interchangeably with -게 for expressing results or manner?

Not always. While both can express results, -도록 often implies a desired outcome, a limit, or a strong instruction, with a more formal or deliberate nuance. -게 is more general for so that or

in a way that
and can be less formal, often used adverbially.

Q

Is -고자 하다 always used by the speaker to state their *own* intention?

Yes, -고자 하다 is primarily used to explicitly state the speaker's (or the speaker's organization's) intention or plan in a formal context.

Q

Are these B2 Korean grammar forms common in everyday casual conversation?

No, -고자 and -고자 하다 are quite formal and primarily used in written documents, official speeches, or professional settings. -도록 can appear in slightly less formal contexts for instructions, but its most common uses are also in formal or semi-formal situations.

Cultural Context

In Korean culture, the way you express your intentions and goals, especially in professional or academic settings, reflects your respect and professionalism. Using structures like -고자, -고자 하다, and -도록 demonstrates a high level of linguistic sophistication and seriousness. These forms are not just grammatical choices; they are cultural signals that you are taking the interaction seriously, articulating your points clearly, and showing deference where appropriate.
You'll frequently encounter them in business reports, official announcements, formal presentations, and academic papers, highlighting their importance in conveying precise and respectful communication.

Wichtige Beispiele (8)

1

I intend to apply to this company.

Ich beabsichtige, mich bei dieser Firma zu bewerben.

Formelle Absichten: Um zu (-고자)
2

CEO, I intend to see you because I have something urgent to tell you.

Chef, ich würde Sie gerne sprechen, da ich etwas Dringendes zu klären habe.

Formelle Absichten: Um zu (-고자)
3

저는 취업을 목적으로 자격증을 공부하고 있어요.

Ich lerne für ein Zertifikat, um einen Job zu finden.

Ziele setzen: Zum Zweck von (-을/를 목적으로)
4

건강을 목적으로 매일 아침 조깅을 해요.

Ich jogge jeden Morgen für meine Gesundheit.

Ziele setzen: Zum Zweck von (-을/를 목적으로)
5

새로운 프로젝트를 설명하고자 이 자리에 섰습니다.

Ich stehe heute hier, um das neue Projekt zu erklären.

Formelle Absicht: Um zu (-고자)
6

우수한 인재를 채용하고자 면접을 진행하고 있습니다.

Wir führen Vorstellungsgespräche, um talentierte Fachkräfte einzustellen.

Formelle Absicht: Um zu (-고자)
7

배가 터지도록 먹었어요.

Ich habe gegessen, bis mein Bauch platzt.

Ergebnisse & Grenzen projizieren (-도록)
8

사람들이 지나가도록 비켜 주세요.

Bitte gehen Sie zur Seite, damit die Leute vorbeikommen.

Ergebnisse & Grenzen projizieren (-도록)

Tipps & Tricks (4)

💡

Die 'Hada'-Kombi

Du wirst sehr oft die Wendung ~하고자 하다 hören. Das macht deine Aussage etwas weicher und höflicher, im Sinne von 'Ich beabsichtige zu...': «도움이 되고자 이 일을 합니다.»
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Formelle Absichten: Um zu (-고자)
🎯

Nomen ist König

Versuche immer, ein professionell klingendes Nomen zu finden. Statt 'um Geld zu verdienen', sag lieber 'zum Zweck der Gewinnerzielung' wie in «수익 창출을 목적으로».
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Ziele setzen: Zum Zweck von (-을/를 목적으로)
🎯

Der 'Opening Statement' Trick

Beginne eine formelle Selbstvorstellung immer mit dem Satz: «저는 ~하고자 이 자리에 왔습니다.» Das lässt dich sofort wie ein Profi klingen.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Formelle Absicht: Um zu (-고자)
🎯

Der 'Bis'-Trick

Wenn du im Deutschen 'so dass' durch 'bis zu dem Punkt, an dem' ersetzen kannst, ist -도록 die perfekte Wahl. Ein Beispiel wäre: «죽도록 사랑해.»
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Ergebnisse & Grenzen projizieren (-도록)

Wichtige Vokabeln (5)

목적 (mokjeok) purpose 수행하다 (suhaenghada) to carry out 의도 (uido) intention 결과 (gyeol-gwa) result 제출하다 (jechulhada) to submit

Real-World Preview

users

Project Kick-off Meeting

Review Summary

  • Verb-고자
  • Noun-을/를 목적으로
  • Verb-고자 하다
  • Verb-도록

Häufige Fehler

Do not combine intention markers like -러 and -고자. Choose one.

Wrong: 먹으러 가고자 합니다.
Richtig: 먹고자 합니다.

목적으로 follows a noun, not a verb conjugation.

Wrong: 공부하도록을 목적으로 합니다.
Richtig: 공부를 목적으로 합니다.

-고자 requires the same subject for both clauses.

Wrong: 그가 공부하고자 나는 커피를 샀다.
Richtig: 내가 공부하고자 커피를 샀다.

Next Steps

You have mastered a critical B2 skill today. Keep practicing these in your daily professional interactions!

Write a formal email to a professor or boss using these structures.

Continue to: Recalling Observations and Habits

Schnelle Übung (10)

Finde und korrigiere den Fehler in diesem formellen Satz.

Find and fix the mistake:

한국에 가고자 비행기 표를 샀으려고 합니다.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 한국에 가고자 비행기 표를 샀습니다.
'샀으려고 합니다' ist eine doppelte Zukunfts-Fehlkonstruktion. '가고자' passt perfekt zu einer schlichten formellen Endung.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Formelle Absicht: Um zu (-고자)

Fülle die Lücke mit der richtigen Form von 'abgenutzt werden' (떨어지다), um 'bis sie abgenutzt sind' zu sagen.

신발이 ___ 춤을 췄어요. (Ich habe getanzt, bis die Schuhe durchgelaufen waren.)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 떨어지도록
'-도록' zeigt hier den Grad oder das Ausmaß der Handlung an: 'Bis zu dem Punkt, an dem die Schuhe kaputtgingen'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Ergebnisse & Grenzen projizieren (-도록)

Finde und korrigiere den Fehler bei der Partikel.

Find and fix the mistake:

홍보을 목적으로 인스타그램을 해요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 홍보를 목적으로 인스타그램을 해요.
Das Nomen '홍보' endet auf einen Vokal (ㅗ), daher muss die Partikel '를' verwendet werden.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Ziele setzen: Zum Zweck von (-을/를 목적으로)

Welcher Satz bittet jemanden höflich, leise zu sein, damit das Baby schlafen kann?

Wähle die beste Option:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 아기가 자도록 조용히 해 주세요.
Du bittest um Ruhe *damit* (Ziel/Ergebnis) das Baby schlafen kann. -(으)려고 würde bedeuten, dass das Baby die Absicht hat, leise zu sein.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Ergebnisse & Grenzen projizieren (-도록)

Fülle die Lücke mit der richtigen Form von 'helfen' (돕다), um eine formelle Absicht auszudrücken.

저는 가난한 사람들을 ___ 이 단체에 기부했습니다.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 돕고자
Während '도우려고' grammatikalisch möglich wäre, passt '돕고자' am besten zum formellen Kontext einer Spende. Da '고자' mit einem Konsonanten beginnt, bleibt der Stamm '돕' unverändert.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Formelle Absichten: Um zu (-고자)

Fülle die Lücke mit der richtigen Partikel und Grammatik.

저는 건강___ _______ 운동을 시작했어요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 을 목적으로
Das Nomen '건강' endet auf einen Konsonanten (ㅇ), daher musst du '을 목적으로' verwenden.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Ziele setzen: Zum Zweck von (-을/를 목적으로)

Welcher Satz ist für eine formelle Rede grammatikalisch korrekt?

Wähle den richtigen Satz:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 돈을 벌고자 일을 합니다.
Der erste Satz ist korrekt. Der zweite ist falsch wegen der Vergangenheitsform, der dritte wegen unterschiedlicher Subjekte.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Formelle Absicht: Um zu (-고자)

Fülle die Lücke aus, um eine formelle Absicht auszudrücken.

이번 회의는 내년 계획을 ___ (세우다) 모였습니다.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 세우고자
Da der Satz ein formelles Meeting beschreibt ('이번 회의'), ist '세우고자' die passendste Endung.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Formelle Absicht: Um zu (-고자)

Finde den Fehler in diesem formellen Versprechen und mach es gewichtiger.

Find and fix the mistake:

다시는 늦지 않게 하겠습니다. (Mach es formeller/verbindlicher)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 다시는 늦지 않도록 하겠습니다.
Obwohl '-게' grammatikalisch okay ist, ist '-도록 하겠습니다' das Standardmuster für formelle Versprechen und Entschuldigungen.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Ergebnisse & Grenzen projizieren (-도록)

Welcher Satz ist für einen förmlichen Rahmen korrekt gebildet?

Wähle den natürlichsten Satz:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 공부를 목적으로 도서관에 갔어요.
Obwohl alle Sätze grammatikalisch okay sind, betont '공부를 목적으로' das Ziel in einem förmlichen Ton.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Ziele setzen: Zum Zweck von (-을/를 목적으로)

Score: /10

Häufige Fragen (6)

Normalerweise nicht. Außer du hältst eine Rede auf einer Hochzeit, klingt es unnatürlich. Nutze beim Chatten mit Freunden lieber «-(으)려고»: «친구를 만나려고 카페에 가요.»
Nein! Das ist das Schöne daran. Egal ob 가다 (Vokal) oder 먹다 (Konsonant), du hängst einfach -고자 an: «밥을 먹고자 식당에 갔습니다.»
Es bedeutet 'zum Zweck von' oder 'mit dem Ziel von'. Du nutzt es für den Grund deiner Handlung, z.B. «건강을 목적으로».
Ja. 'Weil' (때문에) erklärt eine Ursache. «-을/를 목적으로» erklärt ein Ziel in der Zukunft.
Normalerweise nicht direkt. Adjektive müssen erst mit -아/어지다 zu Verben werden, wie in «행복해지고자» (um glücklich zu werden).
Es ist in Texten sehr verbreitet, aber man hört es auch oft in Reden oder Nachrichten. Es ist quasi 'gesprochenes Formell'.
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Classical Grammar and Dialects
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Recalling Observations and Habits
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