


However, the conjugation with -chte ( möchte) means “to want/would like”.

The modal verb in its infinitive form mögen generally means “to like” and this is the meaning you express if you conjugate it with a -g- in its root (mag). Difference in meaning between mögen and möchten Möchten is a verb from derived from the modal verb mögen, namely the Konjunktiv II, but used with present meaning. I’m aware that there are some websites where you can find the expression “the verb möchten” but this information is wrong. But here too, the first- and third-person singular are identical.Many people wonder about the difference between the German verb forms mögen and möchten.įirst of all, you need to know that there is no German infinitive * möchten. This is because möchten is a special form of the verb mögen. The verb möchten is conjugated differently from the other modal verbs. Ich will … is stronger and more definite.Ich möchte … describes a wish and sounds more polite.Both describe something that one would like to have or do, but with a different emphasis. The modal verbs wollen and möchten are similar in meaning. There is one more modal verb that is used to express wishes, möchten (mögen): In the singular the vowel o changes to i. Nico will studieren. (He wishes or plans to study.) The modal verb wollen expresses a desire or intention: In the singular the vowel ü changes to u. If he does not study this will have negative consequences for him.) Nico muss studieren. (His parents are putting pressure on him. The modal verb müssen expresses a necessity or compulsion: In the singular, the vowel ö changes to a. Nico kann studieren. (He has the mental ability and the financial means to study.) The modal verb können expresses an ability or possibility: So far you know three modal verbs : können, müssen and wollen:
