der Hintergedanke
Translation
ulterior motive, hidden agenda, second thought
Examples
Er half mir, aber er hatte einen Hintergedanken.
He helped me, but he had an ulterior motive.
Ich mache das ohne jeden Hintergedanken.
I'm doing this without any ulterior motives.
Grammar Patterns
to have an ulterior motive He always has an ulterior motive.
without ulterior motives She helps people without ulterior motives.
Similar Words
Synonyms: die Nebenabsicht (hidden agenda), die geheime Absicht (secret intention)
Etymology
From 'hinter' (behind) + 'Gedanke' (thought). Literally, a 'behind-thought' or a thought hidden behind the apparent one.
Memory Tips
Picture a thought hiding 'hinter' (behind) someone's friendly words or actions.