ich mache gerne
The English phrase "I like to" is expressed in German using ich mache gerne.
This phrase is used to express that someone enjoys performing a particular activity. While the German verb mögen means "to like", it is often more natural to use the adverb gerne to express enjoyment of an action. For example, you can say Ich mag es, Tennis zu spielen to mean "I like to play tennis".
What does it mean word for word?
The word gerne literally means "gladly" or "with pleasure", which is the way German speakers express that they like doing an activity.
How does it change in a sentence?
In a standard sentence, gerne typically follows the conjugated verb and its direct object, such as in the structure ich mache … gerne.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly try to translate "I like to [verb]" literally as "ich mag zu [verb]". Instead, it is much more natural in German to use the adverb gerne alongside the main verb.
Did you know?
- When someone says Danke! (thanks), the most common response is Gerne! or Gerne geschehen!, which translates to 'gladly done'.
- If a German speaker says Ich mache das nicht so gerne, they are often politely hinting that they really do not want to do it at all.
- While gerne expresses a general liking, Germans use lieber to say they prefer one activity over another, effectively treating 'liking' as a grade of preference.
Examples in context
- Ich mache gerne Menschen glücklich.I like to make people happy.This sentence shows how to express the desire to make people happy using ich mache gerne.Tatoeba #6144386 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2044663 by CK
- Ich mache gerne meine Frau glücklich.I like to make my wife happy.This sentence demonstrates using ich mache gerne in a personal context regarding one's wife.Tatoeba #1762737 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1762604 by Amastan
- Ich mache gerne Queen Elizabeth nach.I like to imitate Queen Elizabeth.This sentence illustrates the use of ich mache gerne when describing an imitation.Tatoeba #13403840 by Vortarulo, translation #1762616 by Amastan
- Ich mag es, Basketball zu spielenI like to play basketball
- Ich mag es, Musik zu hören.I like to listen to music.
- Ich mag es, Filme zu schauen.I like to watch movies.
- Ich mag es, Zeit mit Freunden zu verbringen.I like to spend time with friends.
- Ich mag es, Filme zu schauen, um zu entspannen.I like to watch movies to relax.
- Ich mag es, Zeit mit Kollegen zu verbringen, um das Team zu stärken.I like to spend time with colleagues to strengthen the team.
- Ich spiele gerne FußballI happily play soccer
- Ich liebe es, Bücher zu lesen.I love to read books.
- Mir gefällt es, spazieren zu gehen und die Natur zu genießen.I enjoy going for walks and appreciating nature.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing their hobbies.
- LauraWas machst du in deiner Freizeit?What do you do in your free time?
- LukasIch mache gerne Sport.I like to do sports.
- LauraDas ist toll!That is great!
- LukasUnd du, Laura?And you, Laura?
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
