In 15 Seconds
- To actively work toward a specific ambition or target.
- Combines 'Ziel' (goal) with 'verfolgen' (to track/pursue).
- Common in professional, academic, and personal growth contexts.
Meaning
It means you have a specific target or dream and you are actively working to make it happen. It is like being on a mission where you don't let distractions get in your way.
Key Examples
3 of 6In a job interview
Ich verfolge das Ziel, in zwei Jahren Projektleiter zu sein.
I am pursuing the goal of becoming a project manager in two years.
Talking about fitness with a friend
Ich verfolge seit Januar das Ziel, einen Marathon zu laufen.
I've been pursuing the goal of running a marathon since January.
Texting a study partner
Wir verfolgen doch das gleiche Ziel: die B1-Prüfung bestehen!
We're pursuing the same goal: passing the B1 exam!
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Zielstrebigkeit' is a cornerstone of German professional life. It implies that once a goal is set, it is pursued with absolute focus and minimal deviation. This is seen as a sign of character and reliability. Swiss culture values precision and long-term planning. 'Ein Ziel verfolgen' often implies a very detailed, step-by-step approach that has been agreed upon by all stakeholders (consensus culture). While similar to Germany, Austrian culture can sometimes be slightly more relaxed ('Gemütlichkeit'). However, in formal business settings, 'ein Ziel verfolgen' remains the standard for expressing serious intent. In the modern, international startup scene of Berlin, this phrase is often used alongside English buzzwords. It represents the 'hustle' culture of the city's tech hub.
Use with Adverbs
To sound like a native, always pair 'verfolgen' with an adverb like 'konsequent' (consistently) or 'ehrgeizig' (ambitiously).
Case Alert
Always use the Accusative. It's 'ein Ziel', not 'einem Ziel'.
In 15 Seconds
- To actively work toward a specific ambition or target.
- Combines 'Ziel' (goal) with 'verfolgen' (to track/pursue).
- Common in professional, academic, and personal growth contexts.
What It Means
Think of ein Ziel verfolgen as being a detective on a trail. You aren't just wishing for something. You are chasing it. The word verfolgen usually means to track or pursue someone. When you use it with Ziel, it shows you are serious. You have a plan. You are moving forward. It implies action and persistence.
How To Use It
You use this phrase when talking about your ambitions. It is a very flexible expression. You can use it for big life changes. You can also use it for smaller projects. Usually, you use it with the verb verfolgen at the end of the sentence. For example: Ich möchte dieses Ziel verfolgen. It sounds determined and professional. It shows you have grit.
When To Use It
This is perfect for job interviews. It shows you are motivated. Use it when discussing your New Year's resolutions. It works well when talking to a coach or a mentor. If you are learning German, you are definitely ein Ziel verfolgen. It is great for any situation involving growth. Use it when you want to sound focused.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this for tiny, everyday tasks. You don't ein Ziel verfolgen to buy bread at the bakery. That sounds way too dramatic. Unless the bakery is 50 miles away and you're hiking there. Avoid using it for things you do passively. If you are just waiting for luck, you aren't verfolgen. It requires your active effort.
Cultural Background
Germans value Zielstrebigkeit (goal-orientedness) very highly. Being focused and organized is a cultural trait many take pride in. This phrase reflects that structured mindset. It is not just about the dream. It is about the process of getting there. In Germany, having a clear Ziel is seen as a sign of character. It shows you are reliable and serious.
Common Variations
You will often hear ein Ziel konsequent verfolgen. This means you are pursuing it consistently. Another one is ein gemeinsames Ziel verfolgen. This is used when a team works together. You might also hear hartnäckig, which means stubbornly pursuing a goal. These adverbs add flavor to your determination. They show just how hard you are working.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral and safe for almost any context. Just remember that 'verfolgen' is a transitive verb, so the 'Ziel' is always the direct object in the accusative case.
Use with Adverbs
To sound like a native, always pair 'verfolgen' with an adverb like 'konsequent' (consistently) or 'ehrgeizig' (ambitiously).
Case Alert
Always use the Accusative. It's 'ein Ziel', not 'einem Ziel'.
Job Interviews
This is a 'power phrase' in German interviews. Use it to show you are proactive and organized.
Examples
6Ich verfolge das Ziel, in zwei Jahren Projektleiter zu sein.
I am pursuing the goal of becoming a project manager in two years.
Shows ambition and a clear career path.
Ich verfolge seit Januar das Ziel, einen Marathon zu laufen.
I've been pursuing the goal of running a marathon since January.
Used for personal health and sports achievements.
Wir verfolgen doch das gleiche Ziel: die B1-Prüfung bestehen!
We're pursuing the same goal: passing the B1 exam!
Creates a sense of shared purpose.
Heute verfolge ich nur das Ziel, mich nicht vom Sofa zu bewegen.
Today I am only pursuing the goal of not moving from the sofa.
Using a serious phrase for a silly context creates humor.
Du musst dein Ziel weiter verfolgen, auch wenn es gerade schwer ist.
You have to keep pursuing your goal, even if it's hard right now.
Provides emotional support and motivation.
Unser Unternehmen verfolgt das Ziel der Klimaneutralität.
Our company is pursuing the goal of climate neutrality.
Standard phrasing for corporate missions.
Test Yourself
Füllen Sie die Lücke mit der richtigen Form von 'verfolgen'.
Er ______ seit Jahren {das|n} Ziel, ein eigenes Buch zu schreiben.
The subject 'Er' requires the third-person singular present form 'verfolgt'.
Welcher Satz ist grammatikalisch korrekt?
Wähle den richtigen Satz:
'Verfolgen' takes the Accusative case without a preposition. 'Ziel' is neuter, so 'mein Ziel' is correct.
Kombinieren Sie die passenden Teile.
Match the verb with the context:
Abstract goals and strategies use 'verfolgen' (Accusative). Physical following uses 'folgen' (Dative).
Vervollständigen Sie das Gespräch.
A: Warum lernst du so viel? B: Ich ______ {das|n} Ziel, die Prüfung zu bestehen.
While 'habe' is okay, 'verfolge' is the stronger, more professional collocation for B1 level.
In welcher Situation benutzt man 'ein Ziel verfolgen'?
Wähle die passende Situation:
The phrase is used for long-term ambitions and professional plans.
🎉 Score: /5
Visual Learning Aids
Folgen vs. Verfolgen
Typical Goals
Karriere
- • Beförderung
- • neuer Job
Bildung
- • Abschluss
- • Sprachzertifikat
Practice Bank
5 exercisesEr ______ seit Jahren {das|n} Ziel, ein eigenes Buch zu schreiben.
The subject 'Er' requires the third-person singular present form 'verfolgt'.
Wähle den richtigen Satz:
'Verfolgen' takes the Accusative case without a preposition. 'Ziel' is neuter, so 'mein Ziel' is correct.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Abstract goals and strategies use 'verfolgen' (Accusative). Physical following uses 'folgen' (Dative).
A: Warum lernst du so viel? B: Ich ______ {das|n} Ziel, die Prüfung zu bestehen.
While 'habe' is okay, 'verfolge' is the stronger, more professional collocation for B1 level.
Wähle die passende Situation:
The phrase is used for long-term ambitions and professional plans.
🎉 Score: /5
Frequently Asked Questions
14 questionsNo, that sounds like a joke. Use it for serious, long-term ambitions.
'Anstreben' is more formal and emphasizes the desire/striving, while 'verfolgen' emphasizes the active process.
Usually yes, but you can also 'böse Absichten verfolgen' (pursue evil intentions).
No, it always takes the Accusative case.
Ich verfolge meine Träume.
Yes: 'Das Ziel wird konsequent verfolgt.' (The goal is being consistently pursued).
Die Verfolgung (pursuit/prosecution).
Yes, for example in 'Verfolgungsrennen' (pursuit race) in biathlon.
Yes, this is very common and means you are sticking to a plan.
It's a bit advanced for A1. Stick to 'Ich habe ein Ziel' until you reach A2/B1.
No, it only implies the effort. To imply success, use 'ein Ziel erreichen'.
It is neutral to formal. It's perfect for work but fine for serious personal talk.
Yes! 'Eine Serie verfolgen' means to keep up with a show regularly.
Ein Ziel aufgeben (to give up a goal).
Related Phrases
ein Ziel anstreben
synonymTo strive for a goal
ein Ziel erreichen
builds onTo reach/achieve a goal
ein Ziel vor Augen haben
similarTo have a goal in sight
Ziele setzen
prerequisiteTo set goals
hartnäckig bleiben
similarTo stay persistent
einen Plan verfolgen
specialized formTo follow a plan
