In German

möchten

Meaning: would like (polite wish)

Example sentences

  • IchmöchteeinenKaffee,bitte.

    I would like a coffee, please.

  • Möchtestdumitkommen?

    Would you like to come along?

  • WirmöchtendasZimmersehen.

    We would like to see the room.

Grammar note

Present tense: ich möchte, du möchtest, er/sie/es möchte, wir möchten, ihr möchtet, sie/Sie möchten. “Möchten” is technically the subjunctive (Konjunktiv II) of “mögen”, but it functions as its own everyday polite modal verb for wishes and requests.

Common mistake

Don't use “will” (from “wollen”) when ordering food or making a polite request — it can sound blunt. “Ich möchte einen Kaffee” is the standard polite way; “Ich will einen Kaffee” sounds demanding.

Quick check

Which modal verb is the polite way to say “would like”?

More words on this topic

mögento likewollento want tokönnencan, to be able to

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Frequently asked questions

Is “möchten” the same verb as “mögen”?

Historically yes — “möchten” is the Konjunktiv II form of “mögen” — but today it's used as its own polite modal verb for wishes.

What's the politest way to order something in German?

“Ich möchte...” (I would like...), which is standard in restaurants and shops.