Wünschenswert

Wünschenswert is a German adjective meaning desirable or preferable. In English, it is typically translated as desirable or what is preferable to have. The term signals that a quality or condition would be advantageous, but is not a strict requirement.

In professional contexts, wünschenswert is commonly used in job postings, application forms, and guidelines to indicate attributes that enhance an applicant's profile but are not mandatory. The corresponding mandatory criteria are usually labeled Erforderlich or Notwendig, while "wünschenswert" marks items that would improve the candidate's chances.

Examples include sentences such as "Berufserfahrung in der Softwareentwicklung ist wünschenswert" or "Führerschein Klasse B wird als wünschenswert angesehen." The term can appear as a heading in checklists or as part of a sentence describing applicant qualifications.

Etymology and nuance: wünschenswert derives from wünschen (to wish) and the suffix -wert, meaning worthy of. It is closely related to but distinct from erwünscht, which also means desirable but can carry a stronger emphasis on the desire or request of a person or organization. In English, "desirable" or "nice to have" capture the sense.

See also: Erforderlich, Optional, Nice-to-have. In usage, wünschenswert is a flexible, non-binding criterion that guides evaluation without creating an obligatory standard.