Ich möchte Eis
/ɪç ˈmœç.tʰə aɪ̯s/word by word
To say "I want ice cream" in German, you use Ich möchte Eis.
This phrase expresses a desire to have or eat ice cream. The word Eis can mean both "ice" and "ice cream" depending on the context, and the verb möchte means "would like". In Germany, scoops of ice cream are often referred to as Kugel.
Which one should you use?
While Ich möchte Eis is often translated as "I want ice cream", it is more accurately "I would like ice cream". For a very common and natural way to order in an ice cream parlor, you can use Ich hätte gerne ein Eis, which means "I would like an ice cream". In contrast, Ich will Eis is a more direct and blunt way to say "I want ice cream".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Austrian dialect, you can say I mog an Eis to mean "I want an ice cream". In Swiss-German, Ich möcht gärn es Glace is used to express the desire for ice cream.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɪç ˈmœç.tʰə aɪ̯s/
Did you know?
- If you use Ich will Eis instead of Ich möchte Eis, you may sound like a demanding child. Will is so blunt that it is often considered impolite in a shop.
- The German word for scoop, Kugel, literally means 'sphere'. When ordering ice cream, you are technically asking for 'spheres' of dessert.
- In Switzerland, you will see the word Glace instead of Eis. This is because Swiss German borrowed the term from French, reflecting the country's multilingual culture.
Examples in context
- Guten Tag! Ich möchte ein Eis, bitte.Good day! I would like an ice cream, please.
- Welche Sorte möchten Sie?Which flavor would you like?
- Ja, klar! Ich will ein Eis.Yes, sure! I want an ice cream.
- Ich möchte ein ErdbeereisI would like a strawberry ice cream
- Ich will ein SchokoeisI want a chocolate ice cream
- Ich hätte gerne zwei KugelnI would like two scoops
- Ich möchte Eis.I want ice cream.
- Schatz, ich möchte Eis.Honey, I want ice cream.
- Ich möchte Eis mit Schokolade.I want ice cream with chocolate.
Example conversation
Felix and Julia are walking past an ice cream parlor.
- FelixSchau mal, Julia! Ich möchte Eis.Look, Julia! I want ice cream.
- JuliaDas ist eine gute Idee, Felix.That is a good idea, Felix.
- FelixWelche Sorte möchtest du haben?Which flavor would you like to have?
- JuliaIch nehme Schokolade.I'll take chocolate.
