The difference between “mögen” and “möchten”
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:
Exercise – German modal verbs in the present tense (incl. answers)
Exercise – German modal verbs in the past tense (incl. answers)
Conversation exercise – speaking with modal verbs in the present tense
Conversation exercise – speaking with modal verbs in the past tense
A-Grammar: Practice German grammar German (incl. answers)
German self-study book for A1-B1 (incl. answers)
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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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