Wollen Translations, meanings and synonyms

"Wollen" is used as verb with the meaning of "to want", "to intend" or "to wish".

Essential properties of "wollen"

Its most important properties are:

Properties

  • Infinitive: wollen
  • Simple past: wollte
  • Participle: gewollt

See full conjugation of wollen

irregulartransitive
Note: These properties are not absolute. A transitive verb can be used intransitively and vice versa depending on context, and many verbs can be used reflexively even though they are not primarily reflexive.

Meanings of "wollen" + more translations, synonyms and antonyms

It has the meanings and uses detailed below:

1.) "To intend, desire, or plan to do something"

📝 Some usage examples:
  1. Ich wollte gestern ins Kino gehen.I wanted to go to the cinema yesterday.
  2. Wir wollen nächstes Jahr nach Spanien reisen.We want to travel to Spain next year.
  3. Er wollte schon immer Arzt werden.He always wanted to become a doctor.

2.) "To express strong intention or determination"

📝 Some usage examples:
  1. Sie wollte unbedingt die Wahrheit wissen.She absolutely wanted to know the truth.
  2. Er wollte es allein schaffen.He wanted to achieve it alone.
  3. Sie wollte das Buch unbedingt kaufen.She absolutely wanted to buy the book.

3.) "To make a polite request"

📝 Some usage examples:
  1. Ich wollte fragen, ob Sie mir helfen können.I wanted to ask if you could help me.
  2. Wir wollen Sie um einen Gefallen bitten.We want to ask you for a favor.
  3. Er wollte wissen, ob alles in Ordnung ist.He wanted to know if everything was alright.

4.) "To indicate necessity or obligation"

📝 Some usage examples:
  1. Das Auto wollte repariert werden.The car needed to be repaired.
  2. Der Brief wollte sofort beantwortet werden.The letter needed to be answered immediately.
  3. Diese Aufgabe wollte erledigt werden.This task needed to be completed.

5.) "To express a wish or plan"

📝 Some usage examples:
  1. Ich wolle nächstes Jahr ein neues Haus kaufen.I want to buy a new house next year.
  2. Sie wollen bald heiraten.They want to get married soon.
  3. Er wollte schon lange eine Weltreise machen.He had wanted to go on a world trip for a long time.
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