German Phrase
Was sind deine Karriereziele?
Meaning
This phrase is a direct question used to inquire about someone's professional ambitions or future plans in their work life. It combines the words for career and goals into a single compound noun to ask specifically about professional milestones. It implies an interest in the listener's long-term vision for their employment path.
When to use
This is most commonly used in professional contexts such as job interviews, networking events, or annual performance reviews. It can also be used in casual conversations between friends when discussing future aspirations.
✦Grammar Breakdown
WassinddeineKarriereziele
Was sind
The question word 'Was' is paired with 'sind' (the plural form of to be) because the subject 'Karriereziele' is plural.
Karriereziele
A compound noun formed from 'die Karriere' and 'die Ziele'. In German, the last component determines the gender and pluralization of the whole word.
🗨In Conversation
Was sind deine Karriereziele?
What are your career goals?
Ich möchte in den nächsten zwei Jahren Teamleiter werden.
I would like to become a team leader within the next two years.
✕Common Mistakes
Was ist deine Karriereziele?
The word 'Ziele' is plural, so the verb must be 'sind' to agree with the plural subject.
Was sind deine Karriere Ziele?
German uses compound nouns; 'Karriereziele' must be written as a single word without a space.
↔Alternatives
Wo siehst du dich in fünf Jahren?
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Welche beruflichen Ziele verfolgst du?
Which professional goals are you pursuing?
Cultural Tip
In Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, career discussions are often approached with a high degree of pragmatism and specificity. When answering this question in an interview, it is better to provide concrete steps and realistic milestones rather than overly ambitious or vague dreams.