Meaning
To plan or aim to do something.
Cultural Background
The phrase is linked to the concept of 'Vorsatz' in law. Doing something 'mit Absicht' (with intent) is a much more serious offense than 'Fahrlässigkeit' (negligence). In Austria, the register might be slightly more formal or 'höflich' (polite). You might hear 'Ich hätte {die|f} Absicht...' (subjunctive) more often to sound softer. Swiss German speakers use the standard German form in writing, but in dialect, they might use 'I ha vor' (Ich habe vor) more frequently even in semi-formal settings. Stating an 'Absicht' in a meeting is seen as a binding commitment. If you say it, people will take notes and expect a follow-up.
Use it in Emails
When writing a formal email, replace 'Ich will' with 'Ich habe {die|f} Absicht' to instantly sound more professional.
Don't forget the 'zu'
Always remember that the verb at the end of the sentence needs 'zu'. 'Ich habe {die|f} Absicht zu *gehen*.'
Meaning
To plan or aim to do something.
Use it in Emails
When writing a formal email, replace 'Ich will' with 'Ich habe {die|f} Absicht' to instantly sound more professional.
Don't forget the 'zu'
Always remember that the verb at the end of the sentence needs 'zu'. 'Ich habe {die|f} Absicht zu *gehen*.'
The Negative Power
Use 'Ich habe keineswegs {die|f} Absicht...' to strongly deny an accusation or rumor in a professional way.
Directness
Be careful: stating an 'Absicht' is taken seriously. Don't say it if you are just 'considering' something.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing words to complete the formal intention.
Ich habe {die|f} ______, nächstes Jahr nach Japan ______ fliegen.
The phrase is 'die Absicht haben' followed by 'zu + Infinitiv'.
Which sentence is the most appropriate for a job interview?
How would you say 'I intend to lead a team'?
Option B uses the correct formal register and grammar.
Complete the apology.
A: Warum hast du das Fenster kaputt gemacht? B: Entschuldigung! Es war ______ ______ ______.
'Es war nicht meine Absicht' is the standard way to say 'I didn't mean to'.
Match the phrase to the context.
When would you say: 'Wir haben keineswegs {die|f} Absicht, den {der|m} Preis zu erhöhen'?
This is a formal statement about pricing strategy.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Formal vs. Informal Plans
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIch habe {die|f} ______, nächstes Jahr nach Japan ______ fliegen.
The phrase is 'die Absicht haben' followed by 'zu + Infinitiv'.
How would you say 'I intend to lead a team'?
Option B uses the correct formal register and grammar.
A: Warum hast du das Fenster kaputt gemacht? B: Entschuldigung! Es war ______ ______ ______.
'Es war nicht meine Absicht' is the standard way to say 'I didn't mean to'.
When would you say: 'Wir haben keineswegs {die|f} Absicht, den {der|m} Preis zu erhöhen'?
This is a formal statement about pricing strategy.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot exactly. 'Wollen' is a general desire, while 'die Absicht haben' is a more formal, committed plan.
Technically yes, but it sounds very strange and overly formal. Stick to 'Ich will' or 'Ich gehe... kaufen'.
An 'Absicht' is the mental goal or intention. A 'Plan' is the detailed list of steps to get there.
Yes, in the phrase 'die Absicht haben', the article is almost always required.
Use 'Ich habe es mit Absicht gemacht' or 'Ich habe es absichtlich gemacht'.
Yes, 'Ich hatte {die|f} Absicht' is very common for explaining past motives.
No, you must use 'zu' + infinitive or a 'dass' clause.
In professional or serious conversations, yes. In casual chat, 'vorhaben' is more common.
It means 'malicious intent' or 'bad intention'.
Yes, 'Absichten', but the phrase 'die Absicht haben' usually stays singular unless you have multiple distinct intentions.
Related Phrases
beabsichtigen
synonymTo intend (verb form)
vorhaben
similarTo plan/intend
im Sinn haben
similarTo have in mind
sich etwas vornehmen
builds onTo resolve to do something
darauf abzielen
specialized formTo aim at something
