ich bevorzuge
The German phrase for "I prefer" is ich bevorzuge.
ich bevorzuge is used to state that you like one thing more than another. You can also use the phrase Meine Vorliebe geht in Richtung to express that your preference leans towards a specific thing or activity.
Which one should you use?
While ich bevorzuge is used for general preferences or choosing one option over another, the phrase ich mag … lieber is a more common, colloquial way to express a preference for one thing over another in daily conversation.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
ich bevorzuge sounds more formal and deliberate than the common spoken alternative ich mag … lieber.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb bevorzugen is a transitive verb, which means it takes a direct object in the accusative case.
Did you know?
- When expressing a preference for a person in a romantic or social context, Germans rarely use bevorzugen because it can sound like they are choosing a product from a catalog.
- The word Vorliebe, found in the phrase Meine Vorliebe geht in Richtung, literally translates to 'pre-love'. It is a compound of 'vor' (before/pre) and 'Liebe' (love).
- While ich bevorzuge is common, Germans often use the verb vorziehen to express preference, which literally means 'to pull forward'.
Examples in context
- Ich bevorzuge rohe Mandeln.I prefer raw almonds.This sentence is useful for expressing a preference for a type of food.Tatoeba #9353902 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #9192676 by DJ_Saidez
- Ich bevorzuge flache Absätze.I prefer low heels.This sentence is useful for expressing a preference for a type of footwear.Tatoeba #12249414 by mayabe, translation #2761726 by sharptoothed
- Ich bevorzuge Tee ohne Zucker.I prefer tea without sugar.This sentence is useful for expressing a preference regarding how a drink is served.Tatoeba #11312540 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #11101894 by CK
- Ich ziehe es vor, pünktlich zu sein.I prefer to be punctual.
- Ich habe lieber Tee als Kaffee.I prefer tea to coffee.
- Meine Vorliebe geht in Richtung klassische Musik.My preference leans towards classical music.
- Ich mag lieber Hunde als Katzen.I prefer dogs to cats.
- Ich stehe mehr auf Actionfilme als auf Liebesfilme.I'm more into action movies than romance movies.
- Ich mag Apfelsaft mehr als Orangensaft.I like apple juice more than orange juice.
- Ich habe lieber Tee als Kaffee, aber ich mag lieber Cola als beides.I prefer tea to coffee, but I prefer cola to both.
- 21 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura and Lukas are choosing a movie to watch.
- LauraWollen wir eine Komödie sehen?Do we want to watch a comedy?
- LukasJa, oder vielleicht einen Krimi?Yes, or maybe a crime thriller?
- LauraIch bevorzuge heute etwas Lustiges.I prefer something funny today.
- LukasAlles klar, dann nehmen wir die Komödie.All right, then we'll take the comedy.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
