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German Phrase

Ich hoffe, im Ausland zu leben.

/ɪç ˈhɔfə ɪm ˈaʊ̯slant tsuː ˈleːbn̩/
Meaning"I hope to live abroad."
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Meaning

This phrase expresses a personal aspiration or desire to reside in a foreign country. 'Hoffen' means 'to hope,' indicating a wish for a future event that is not yet certain but is desired. The structure 'zu leben' is an infinitive clause, common in German to express purpose or intention.

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When to use

Use this phrase when you want to articulate a personal dream or a long-term goal of moving to and living in a country other than your own. It's suitable for conversations about future plans, travel aspirations, or career changes that involve relocation.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Ichhoffe,imAuslandzuleben.

1

hoffen (to hope)

'Hoffen' is a regular verb meaning 'to hope'. It can be followed by a 'dass' clause or, as in this case, an infinitive clause with 'zu'.

2

im Ausland (abroad)

'Im Ausland' is a fixed expression meaning 'abroad' or 'in a foreign country'. It's a contraction of 'in dem Ausland' (in the foreign country).

3

zu + Infinitive

In German, when an infinitive verb follows certain verbs (like 'hoffen', 'planen', 'versuchen'), it is often preceded by 'zu'. This structure forms an infinitive clause.

🗨In Conversation

A

Was sind deine Pläne für die Zukunft?

What are your plans for the future?

Ich hoffe, im Ausland zu leben.

I hope to live abroad.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Ich hoffe, in Ausland zu leben.

    The correct preposition for 'abroad' is 'im Ausland' (in dem Ausland), not 'in Ausland'.

  • Ich hoffe, im Ausland leben.

    When 'hoffen' is followed by an infinitive, it requires 'zu' before the infinitive verb.

  • Ich hoffe, dass ich im Ausland leben.

    While grammatically possible with 'dass', the verb 'leben' should be at the end of the subordinate clause: 'dass ich im Ausland lebe'.

↔Alternatives

  • Ich möchte im Ausland leben.

    I would like to live abroad.

  • Mein Traum ist es, im Ausland zu leben.

    My dream is to live abroad.

  • Ich plane, im Ausland zu leben.

    I plan to live abroad.

de

Cultural Tip

Germans often value international experience, and expressing a desire to live abroad is generally seen as a positive and ambitious goal. Many Germans spend time living or working in other countries, and it's a common topic of conversation, especially among younger generations. It can also imply a desire for personal growth and cultural immersion.