Breakdown of Die Sehnsucht nach dem Auftritt ist stark.
sein
to be
nach
to / towards
stark
strong
der Auftritt
the performance
die Sehnsucht
the longing
Questions & Answers about Die Sehnsucht nach dem Auftritt ist stark.
Why do we use nach here instead of für, since the English translation is 'longing for'?
In German, the noun die Sehnsucht has a fixed prepositional object using nach. It inherits this from its related reflexive verb, sich nach etwas sehnen (to long for something). Because the verb uses nach, the noun does too. Whenever you learn a noun like this, it is best to memorize the preposition alongside it as a set phrase.
What case is dem Auftritt in, and why?
It is in the dative case. The preposition nach is a strict dative preposition, meaning it always forces the noun that follows it into the dative case. Because der Auftritt is a masculine noun, its definite article changes from der to dem.
Does the word Sehnsucht have a literal breakdown that makes it easier to remember?
Yes! It combines the verb root sehnen (to yearn) and the noun die Sucht (addiction or craving). It beautifully describes a longing so powerful that it almost feels like an addiction to the thing or person you are missing.
If I want to express a desire for something, can I always use die Sehnsucht nach?
You can, but be aware of the tone. Sehnsucht is a very strong, often poetic word implying a deep, sometimes painful yearning. If you just mean a normal wish or everyday desire, der Wunsch nach or das Verlangen nach might be more appropriate. Conveniently, they all take the preposition nach followed by the dative case.
Learn Die Sehnsucht nach dem Auftritt ist stark and more in German
All course content and exercises are completely free — no paywalls, no trial periods, no signup needed.
- ✓ Practice with interactive exercises
- ✓ Track your progress with spaced repetition
- ✓Learn at your own pace — completely free