German Phrase
Was sind deine Ziele für die Zukunft?
Meaning
This question asks someone to describe the objectives or ambitions they have set for themselves moving forward. It can refer to personal, professional, or educational goals.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to learn about a friend’s plans, during a job interview, in a coaching session, or any conversation about long‑term aspirations.
✦Grammar Breakdown
WassinddeineZielefürdieZukunft?
Was (interrogative pronoun)
Used to ask 'what' in a question; it stays unchanged regardless of case.
sind (sein, 3rd pl.)
The verb 'to be' conjugated for plural subjects; matches the plural noun 'Ziele'.
deine (possessive adjective)
Agrees with the feminine plural noun 'Ziele' (nominative); use 'deine' not 'dein'.
Ziele (plural noun)
Plural of 'Ziel' (goal); requires the verb 'sind' and the possessive adjective in plural form.
für (preposition)
Takes the accusative case; here it governs 'die Zukunft' (accusative feminine singular).
die Zukunft (accusative)
The noun 'Zukunft' (future) is feminine; after 'für' it stays 'die' (accusative).
🗨In Conversation
Was sind deine Ziele für die Zukunft?
What are your goals for the future?
Ich möchte ein eigenes Unternehmen gründen und fließend Spanisch sprechen lernen.
I’d like to start my own business and become fluent in Spanish.
✕Common Mistakes
Was sind dein Ziele für die Zukunft?
The possessive must agree with the plural noun 'Ziele', so it should be 'deine'.
Was ist dein Ziel für die Zukunft?
When asking about multiple goals, use the plural 'Ziele'.
Was sind deine Ziele in die Zukunft?
You can also say 'in Zukunft' but the case changes; 'für die Zukunft' is correct with accusative.
↔Alternatives
Welche Ziele hast du für die Zukunft?
Which goals do you have for the future?
Was hast du für Ziele in der Zukunft?
What goals do you have for the future?
Worauf willst du in Zukunft hinarbeiten?
What do you want to work towards in the future?
Cultural Tip
German speakers tend to be direct when asking about ambitions, especially in professional settings. Using 'Ziele' signals a serious, goal‑oriented mindset. In informal chats you might also hear 'Pläne' (plans) instead of 'Ziele', which sounds a bit more relaxed.