Translation of German word "möchten" to English
möchten
/ˈmœçtn̩/
Meaning
VerbTo wish for or desire (something); to feel a need or desire for; to crave, hanker, or demand.
How to use
The verb möchten ('would like') is grammatically the subjunctive II (Konjunktiv II) of mögen, but it is treated as a modal verb in its own right in present tense to express a polite wish (Ich möchte ein Bier, bitte — I would like a beer, please). Conjugation: ich möchte, du möchtest, er möchte, wir möchten.
🇬🇧 English
to want
Example
Ich will dich als Freund, nicht als Feind.
I want you as a friend, not an enemy.
Was möchtest du essen? Ich möchte, dass du gehst. Ich wollte nie wieder bei meiner Mutter leben.
What would you like to eat? I want you to go. I never wanted to live with my mother again.
Your personal vocabulary
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Common phrases
- Ich möchte bezahlen.— I would like to pay.
- Was möchten Sie?— What would you like? (polite/formal)
- Ich möchte bitte— I would like ... please
More Core Verbs words
This concept in other languages
📖 Related grammar
🦊 Conjugation of the verb "möchten"Full conjugation →
Present Tense (Präsens)
Simple Past (Präteritum)
Perfect (Perfekt)
ich bin/möchte ...
Imperative (Imperativ)
Frequency rank: #160 in German
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the definition of the German word "möchten"?▼
The German word "möchten" is defined as: "To wish for or desire (something); to feel a need or desire for; to crave, hanker, or demand."
What does the German word "möchten" mean?▼
The German word "möchten" means "to want" in English.
How do you pronounce the German word "möchten"?▼
You can hear the correct audio pronunciation of the word "möchten" by clicking the play button next to the word at the top of this page.
Can I see an example sentence with "möchten"?▼
Yes, here is a practical example: "Ich will dich als Freund, nicht als Feind." (which translates as "I want you as a friend, not an enemy.").
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