begehren

Begehren is a German noun meaning a strong desire or longing. It derives from the verb begehren, to desire, crave, or covet, with roots in Old High German; the term appears across religious, legal, and literary texts. In everyday usage, Begehren often conveys greater intensity than synonyms like Wunsch or Verlangen and can include moral or existential nuance depending on context.

Begehren is commonly combined with prepositions to specify its object. Begehren nach Freiheit expresses a longing for freedom; Begehren um Anerkennung signals a desire for recognition. In religious and philosophical discourse, Begehren is discussed as a fundamental motive behind action, capable of directing conduct toward virtue or vice depending on orientation and interpretation. In secular usage, it can denote a natural or legitimate aspiration, while in theological contexts it may be framed as temptation or sin if it pursues selfish ends.

In culture, Begehren appears as a theme in German-language literature and film to explore the tension between personal impulse and social constraint. The word is also used in academic or critical writings to translate or discuss the broader concept of desire found in European thought.

See also: Verlangen, Sehnsucht, Lust, Wunsch.