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German Phrase

Ich hoffe, eine neue Sprache zu lernen.

/ɪç ˈhɔfə ˈaɪ̯nə ˈnɔʏ̯ə ˈʃpʁaːxə tsuː ˈlɛʁnən/
Meaning"I hope to learn a new language."
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Meaning

Literally, ‘I hope to learn a new language.’ The speaker expresses a hopeful intention about acquiring a new linguistic skill in the near future.

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When to use

Use this sentence when you want to share your optimistic plans about language learning, whether in a casual chat, a language‑exchange meeting, or a personal goal‑setting conversation.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Ichhoffe,eineneueSprachezulernen.

1

hoffen (verb)

‘hoffen’ is a regular verb; here it is conjugated in the 1st person singular present: ich hoffe.

2

zu‑Infinitiv

After verbs of desire, intention or hope, German uses ‘zu’ + infinitive (zu lernen) to express the action you hope for.

3

Accusative object

‘eine neue Sprache’ is the direct object of the infinitive clause and therefore in the accusative case.

4

Comma placement

A comma is required before the infinitive clause when it is introduced by ‘zu’ and depends on a preceding verb like hoffen.

🗨In Conversation

A

Was hast du für das nächste Jahr geplant?

What have you planned for next year?

Ich hoffe, eine neue Sprache zu lernen.

I hope to learn a new language.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Ich hoffe zu lernen.

    ‘hoffen’ needs a comma and a ‘zu‑Infinitiv’ clause; ‘hoffe zu lernen’ is missing the object and the required comma.

  • Ich hoffe, eine neue Sprache lernen.

    Without ‘zu’, the sentence becomes a simple infinitive phrase and loses the ‘hope’ meaning.

  • Ich hoffe, dass ich eine neue Sprache lerne.

    Grammatically correct but changes the nuance; it sounds more speculative than a hopeful intention.

↔Alternatives

  • Ich möchte eine neue Sprache lernen.

    I would like to learn a new language.

  • Ich plane, eine neue Sprache zu lernen.

    I plan to learn a new language.

  • Ich habe vor, eine neue Sprache zu lernen.

    I intend to learn a new language.

de

Cultural Tip

In German, ‘hoffen’ is often followed by a ‘zu‑Infinitiv’ clause, not by a ‘dass‑Satz’ unless you want to emphasize uncertainty. Also, remember the mandatory comma before the infinitive clause – omitting it is a common error for learners.