The difference between “mögen” and “möchten”

Nov 19

While teaching German online, I often see that students have problems when it comes to an understanding the real difference between “mögen” und “möchten”. After reading this article and solving its free worksheet, you will be prepared for your next conversation!

“Mögen” vs “möchten”

There are two very similar words in German: “mögen” and “möchten”. And as much as they sound similar, their meaning is very different. Therefore, mixing these two German verbs up might cause tricky situations: The fact that the meaning of “mögen” is “to like” and the meaning of “möchten” is “would like to”. Besides, an accusative object follows both words, which are irregular verbs.

Recommended study materials on the topic:

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Verb conjugation of “mögen”

1. “Mögen” in present tense (Präsens)

ich mag → I like

du magst → you like

er mag → he likes

sie mag → she likes

es mag → it likes

wir mögen → we like

ihr mögt → you like

sie mögen → they like

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2. “Mögen” in simple past (Präteritum)

ich mochte → I liked

du mochtest → you liked

er mochte → he liked

sie mochte → she liked

es mochte → it liked

wir mochten → we liked

ihr mochtet → you liked

sie mochten → they liked

3. “Mögen” in present perfect (Perfekt)

ich habe gemocht → I have liked

du hast gemocht → you have liked

er hat gemocht → he has liked

sie hat gemocht → she has liked

es hat gemocht → it has liked

wir haben gemocht → we have liked

ihr habt gemocht → you have liked

sie haben gemocht → they have liked

Verb conjugation of “möchten”

Today, the past tenses of “möchten” are not used anymore. Instead, you need to use the past tenses of the modal verb “wollen” (to want).

1. “Möchten” in present tense (Präsens)

ich möchte → I would like

du möchtest → you would like

er möchte → he would like

sie möchte → she would like

es möchte → it would like

wir möchten → we would like

ihr möchtet → you would like

sie möchten → they would like

2. “Möchten” in simple past (Präteritum)

ich wollte → I wanted

3. “Möchten” in present perfect (Perfekt)

ich habe gewollt → I would have liked

Conclusion

After reading this article, you can practice your knowledge with the free worksheet – The Difference between “mögen” und “möchten”. Finally, you will not be confused anymore while using these similar-sounding verbs.

Bis bald!

Steffie

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