Verb

möchte

would like

Ich möchte einen Kaffee.

I would like a coffee.

Möchten Sie etwas essen?

Would you like to eat something?

Er möchte Arzt werden.

He would like to become a doctor.

((sth.)) would like sth. I would like a coffee.

((to do sth.)) would like to do sth. I would like to go home.

wollen (to want - stronger), wünschen (to wish)

Subjunctive II form of the verb 'mögen' (to like), from Old High German 'magan' (to be able to). Used to express a polite wish.

Think of 'möchte' as the polite version of 'want'. It's like saying 'I would like' instead of 'I want'.

This page is designed for learning support. Please use it as a learning reference, not as a formal reference.