Some Words Don’t Translate

But they still speak to us.

Recently, I went looking for an English word that matches the German Sehnsucht.

But none of them quite fit.

Longing.
Yearning.
Nostalgia.
Desire.
Homesickness.
Hope.

Sehnsucht is all of these — and none of them.
It’s a tug from the heart.
A craving for something you can’t quite name.
A beautiful ache.

And here’s what I’ve noticed:

Many of my clients feel Sehnsucht when they speak about English.
Not the grammar or the vocabulary.
But what it would mean to express themselves — clearly, confidently, fully.
To say what they really mean.
To belong.

That’s not just about language.
That’s about being seen.

💬 So if you’ve ever felt Sehnsucht when you picture yourself speaking up — 
You’re not alone.
And it’s not silly.

It’s a sign that something in you is ready.

👉 What’s another word in German or other language that English can’t quite capture?

Date: 28. July 2025

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Foto Christine Sparks

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