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.

'Möchte' is your go-to for polite requests. It's the equivalent of 'I would like' and much softer than 'Ich will' (I want).

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