Ch 1 · Lesson 24German · Chapter 1 · Lesson 24 · Grammar primer
Möchte and gern: would like, and like doing
, not will. And after the verb for what you like doing: .
The short version
Ask with
, .
Why?Hide
is I would like, the polite way to ask for anything in a shop or . will is grammatical but blunt, like a toddler at a till. Unlike the modals, keeps an ending even with and er: , , .
Möchte and gern: the polite want and the everyday like
Two words do most of a beginner's wanting and liking, and neither is the verb you would guess:
| You mean | Example | English |
|---|---|---|
| would like (thing) | . | I would like a coffee. |
| would like to do | . | I would like to go. |
| want (blunt) | . | I want that. |
| like doing | . | I like reading. |
| like a thing | . | I like music. |
takes a full set of endings, because it is a subjunctive of rather than a modal present:
| Person | möchte | Example |
|---|---|---|
| | . - I'd like to pay. |
| | ? - Would you like tea? |
// | | . - She'd like to go. |
| | . - We'd like to stay. |
| | ? - Would you like tea? |
/ | | ? - Would you like tea? |
- .
- ?
The polite want, on both sides of the counter: ich möchte for the customer, möchten Sie for the baker.
Ask with in a shop or . is grammatical and sounds like a toddler at a till.
For liking to do something, German adds gern to the ordinary verb: . - I like playing. The opposite is : . - I don't like reading.
Going further: The six and the rest of the guide, when you want them. This lesson does not need them.
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Lesson 24 of 38 in this chapter