Ich spiele gerne Videospiele
In German, the English phrase "I like playing video games" is expressed as Ich spiele gerne Videospiele.
This phrase is used to state that you enjoy the activity of playing video games. You can replace Videospiele with Computerspiele for computer games or Konsolenspiele for console games.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase uses the adverb gerne, which literally means "gladly" or "with pleasure", placed after the verb to express that you enjoy doing that specific activity.
How does it change in a sentence?
In English, you express liking an activity using the verb "to like" followed by a gerund. In German, instead of using a verb for "like", you use the main verb of the action followed by the adverb gerne.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid trying to translate the English structure literally by saying Ich mag spielen Videospiele. In German, the standard way to express enjoyment of an activity is by using the adverb gerne rather than the verb mögen (to like).
Did you know?
- In a very casual setting, some German speakers might shorten the phrase or use the word zocken instead of spielen to mean 'to play' in a gaming context. Zocken specifically implies playing for fun or gambling.
- The word gerne is so versatile that it can be used as a standalone response to an invitation, effectively meaning 'I would love to'.
- The word ich shares a common ancestor with the English word 'I' and the Latin word 'ego'. They all trace back to the same Proto-Indo-European root used to identify the self.
Examples in context
- Ich spiele gerne Videospiele.I like playing video games.This sentence is useful for practicing the standard way to say "I like playing video games" using the phrase Ich spiele gerne Videospiele.Tatoeba #13069976 by Vortarulo, translation #6784453 by CK
- Ich habe Freude daran, Video-Spiele zu spielen.I take pleasure in playing video games.
- Ich zocke gerne Videospiele.I enjoy gaming.
- Videospiele zu spielen ist mein Ding.Playing video games is my thing.
- Ich stehe total auf Videospiele.I'm really into video games.
- Ich zocke gerne Videospiele mit meinen Freunden. Es macht immer riesigen Spaß, gemeinsam zu spielen und gegeneinander anzutreten.I enjoy gaming with my friends. It's always a lot of fun to play together and compete against each other.
- Ich spiele gerne Videospiele am Wochenende.I like playing video games on the weekend.
- Ich spiele gerne Videospiele mit meinen Freunden.I like playing video games with my friends.
Example conversation
Maximilian and Laura are talking about their hobbies.
- MaximilianWas machst du gerne in deiner Freizeit, Laura?What do you like doing in your free time, Laura?
- LauraIch lese viel, und ich spiele gerne Videospiele.I read a lot, and I like playing video games.
- MaximilianDas ist toll! Welches Spiel magst du am liebsten?That's great! Which game do you like best?
- LauraIch mag Abenteuerspiele sehr gerne.I like adventure games very much.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Ich, ich, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
