In German
mögen
Meaning: to like
Formal or informal? “Mögen” means to like. For “I like to do something”, use “gern” with a verb: “Ich esse gern” (I like to eat).
Example sentences
Ich mag Kaffee sehr gern.
I like coffee very much.
Magst du Musik?
Do you like music?
Die Kinder mögen den Zoo.
The children like the zoo.
Grammar note
“Mögen” is irregular: ich mag, du magst, er mag, wir mögen, sie mögen.
Common mistake
Don't say “Ich mag essen” for “I like to eat”. Use “Ich esse gern” with “gern” after the verb, because “mögen” takes an object.
Quick check
Which form is correct for “I like” (ich)?
More words on this topic
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Practise it in a lesson →Frequently asked questions
How do you say “I like to eat” in German?
“Ich esse gern”, with “gern” after the verb.
How do you say “do you like” informally?
“Magst du …?”, with the -st ending for du.