In German
wollen
Meaning: to want
Formal or informal? “Wollen” is direct and can sound strong. For a polite “I would like”, use “ich möchte”.
Example sentences
IchwillDeutschlernen.
I want to learn German.
Waswillstdutrinken?
What do you want to drink?
SiewollennachBerlinfahren.
They want to travel to Berlin.
Grammar note
“Wollen” is irregular: ich will, du willst, er will, wir wollen, sie wollen. It's a modal verb, so the second verb goes to the end: “Ich will Deutsch lernen”.
Common mistake
Avoid “ich will” in shops or restaurants, where it sounds blunt. Say “Ich möchte einen Kaffee, bitte” instead.
Quick check
Which form is correct for “I want” (ich)?
More words on this topic
Keep learning German
Practise it in a lesson →Frequently asked questions
What is the polite way to say “I would like”?
“Ich möchte”, which is softer and used in shops and restaurants.
Why do the verbs go to the end in “Ich will Deutsch lernen”?
“Wollen” is a modal verb, so the infinitive “lernen” goes to the end of the clause.