mag (mögen)
Translation
like, may
Examples
Ich mag Schokolade.
I like chocolate.
Er mag Recht haben.
He may be right.
Sie mag ihn nicht.
She doesn't like him.
Grammar Patterns
((sb./sth.)) to like sb./sth. I like pizza.
((+ infinitive)) may do sth. He may come too late.
Similar Words
Synonyms: gefallen (to be pleasing), lieben (to love)
Etymology
From Old High German 'magan' (to be able). Cognate with English 'may' and 'might'. The meaning evolved from 'ability/possibility' to 'liking'.
Memory Tips
Directly related to 'may'. 'Das mag sein' means 'That may be'. Think of liking something as giving it your permission or possibility to be near you.