Meaning
To possess a desire for something to happen.
Cultural Background
The 'Wunschzettel' is a central part of Christmas. Children don't just ask for things; they create a decorated list of wishes. In Viennese cafe culture, the phrase 'Haben Sie noch {einen|m} Wunsch?' is part of the formal 'Ober' (waiter) etiquette, often delivered with a specific charm (Schmäh). Swiss German speakers might use 'en Wunsch ha', but in formal Swiss Standard German, the usage is identical to Germany. The concept of 'three wishes' (drei Wünsche frei) is a staple of Brothers Grimm fairy tales, which heavily influenced the German psyche regarding this phrase.
The Subjunctive Trick
Always use 'Ich hätte {einen|m} Wunsch' instead of 'Ich habe {einen|m} Wunsch' when talking to superiors or service staff. It sounds much more native and polite.
Don't 'Make' It
Avoid saying 'einen Wunsch machen'. It's the most common giveaway that you are an English speaker translating literally.
Meaning
To possess a desire for something to happen.
The Subjunctive Trick
Always use 'Ich hätte {einen|m} Wunsch' instead of 'Ich habe {einen|m} Wunsch' when talking to superiors or service staff. It sounds much more native and polite.
Don't 'Make' It
Avoid saying 'einen Wunsch machen'. It's the most common giveaway that you are an English speaker translating literally.
Wunschkonzert
If someone says 'Das Leben ist kein {das|n} Wunschkonzert', they are telling you to stop complaining and get to work!
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the article and the noun.
Ich bin im Restaurant. Der Kellner fragt: 'Haben Sie noch ______ ______?'
'Wunsch' is masculine and in the accusative case, so it needs 'einen'.
Which sentence is the most polite way to express a wish in a meeting?
Wie sagen Sie das höflich?
The Konjunktiv II 'hätte' and the particle 'da noch' make the request very polite.
Match the German phrase to its English context.
Match the pairs:
These are common variations of the core phrase.
Complete the dialogue between two friends.
A: Morgen ist dein Geburtstag! B: Ja, ich ______ ______ ______: Lass uns wandern gehen!
In German, you 'have' a wish for your birthday.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIch bin im Restaurant. Der Kellner fragt: 'Haben Sie noch ______ ______?'
'Wunsch' is masculine and in the accusative case, so it needs 'einen'.
Wie sagen Sie das höflich?
The Konjunktiv II 'hätte' and the particle 'da noch' make the request very polite.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are common variations of the core phrase.
A: Morgen ist dein Geburtstag! B: Ja, ich ______ ______ ______: Lass uns wandern gehen!
In German, you 'have' a wish for your birthday.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsYes, 'Ich hätte {einen|m} Wunsch bezüglich...' is a very professional way to introduce a request.
Yes, '{der|m} Wunsch' is always masculine, so it's 'einen Wunsch' (accusative) or 'einem Wunsch' (dative).
A 'Wunsch' is usually more specific and attainable, while a '{der|m} Traum' is often larger or more abstract.
You say 'Wünsch dir was!' or 'Du hast {einen|m} Wunsch frei.'
Absolutely, it's very common when discussing plans or gifts.
Yes, 'Ich habe viele {die|pl} Wünsche.'
It's a 'heart's wish'—something you desire very deeply.
It's neutral-to-formal. It's never inappropriate, but in very casual settings, people might be more direct.
It's a polite, non-intrusive way to check if you need more food or drinks.
No, for that you use the verb: 'Ich wünschte, es würde regnen.'
It means you are so happy that you don't have any more wishes.
Yes, '{die|pl} Wünsche'.
Related Phrases
sich etwas wünschen
similarTo wish for something
einen Wunsch erfüllen
builds onTo fulfill a wish
wunschlos glücklich
specialized formPerfectly happy
Wunschdenken
specialized formWishful thinking
Wunschkonzert
contrastRequest show
