In German

mögen

Meaning: to like

Example sentences

  • IchmagSchokolade.

    I like chocolate.

  • MagstduKaffee?

    Do you like coffee?

  • WirmögendiesesLied.

    We like this song.

Grammar note

Present tense: ich mag, du magst, er/sie/es mag, wir mögen, ihr mögt, sie/Sie mögen. Unusually among modal verbs, “mögen” is often used alone with a noun (“Ich mag Schokolade”), without a second infinitive verb at the end.

Common mistake

Don't add an unnecessary second verb when “mögen” already stands for “like” on its own. “Ich mag Schokolade” (I like chocolate) needs no verb at the end — only add one if there's a specific action you like doing.

Quick check

Which modal verb expresses liking something — “to like”?

More words on this topic

möchtenwould like (polite wish)wollento want tokönnencan, to be able to
“Mögen” also appears as a plain vocabulary verb on this everyday-verbs page.

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Frequently asked questions

Can “mögen” be used without a second verb?

Yes — uniquely among modal verbs, “mögen” is often used directly with a noun: “Ich mag Hunde” (I like dogs).

What's the difference between “mögen” and “möchten”?

“Mögen” means “to like” in general; “möchten” means “would like” for a specific wish right now.