Ich mag Pizza
The English phrase "I like pizza" is translated into German as Ich mag Pizza.
Ich mag Pizza is a statement used to express that someone enjoys eating pizza.
Which one should you use?
While Ich mag Pizza expresses a general liking for the food, Ich esse gerne Pizza specifically emphasizes the enjoyment of the act of eating it.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase Ich mag Pizza, the verb mag is the first-person singular conjugation of mögen (to like).
Did you know?
- While mag comes from mögen, the word mögen is a distant relative of the English word 'might'. Both originate from a root meaning 'to be able' or 'to have power'.
- While Ich mag Pizza is a direct translation, if you were to say you 'like' a person using the same verb, it could sometimes sound slightly condescending, as if you find them 'acceptable' rather than 'lovable'.
- The pronoun ich shares a common ancestor with the English word 'I' and the Latin 'ego', all tracing back to the Proto-Indo-European root *eǵh₂óm.
Examples in context
- Ich mag Pizza mit Ananas.I like pizza with pineapple.This example shows how to specify a topping by using Ich mag Pizza.Tatoeba #12217828 by mayabe, translation #9770555 by helloroto
- Ich mag Pizza.I like pizza.This is a simple way to state your preference using Ich mag Pizza.Tatoeba #3751369 by Zaghawa, translation #2245937 by CK
- Ich mag Pizza sehr.I like pizza very much.This example demonstrates how to express a high degree of liking using Ich mag Pizza.Tatoeba #662061 by stefz, translation #28989 by CM
- Entschuldigen Sie, mein Herr. Ich wollte erwähnen, dass ich Pizza mag.Excuse me, Sir. I wanted to mention that I like pizza.
- Hey Anna, weißt du was? Ich liebe Pizza!Hey Anna, guess what? I love pizza!
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are deciding what to order for dinner.
- LukasMöchtest du Sushi essen?Would you like to eat sushi?
- LauraNein, ich mag Pizza lieber.No, I prefer pizza.
- LukasIch mag Pizza auch.I like pizza too.
- LauraDann bestellen wir eine Pizza.Then let's order a pizza.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Ich, Pizza, ich, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
