What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of Ich (I), möchte (would like), Lehrer (teacher) and werden (to become).
How does it change in a sentence?
When expressing a desire to perform an action like becoming something, the infinitive verb werden is placed at the very end of the sentence. If the speaker is female, the noun for teacher must change from the masculine Lehrer to the feminine Lehrerin (e.g., Ich möchte Lehrerin werden). Additionally, you can change the strength of your desire by choosing different verbs: using will instead of möchte expresses a much stronger, more determined sense of "want" or "will", whereas möchte is more polite and expresses a wish.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɪç ˈmœç.tʰə ˈleːrər ˈveːʁdən/. The phrase has 5 syllables and the stress is on the 2nd syllable.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying Ich möchte einen Lehrer werden. While English speakers often include an indefinite article before the profession, in German, you omit the article when stating your profession or what you want to become.
Did you know?
- The verb werden is actually a distant relative of the Latin word vertō, which means 'to turn'.
Examples in context
- Mein Ziel ist es, Lehrer zu werden, weil ich meine Leidenschaft für das Unterrichten teilen möchte.My goal is to become a teacher because I want to share my passion for teaching.
- Ich will Lehrer werden, weil es mir Freude bereitet, anderen etwas beizubringen.I want to become a teacher because I enjoy teaching others.
- Ich möchte Lehrer werden, weil ich Kinder liebe.I want to become a teacher because I love children.
- Ich möchte Lehrer werden und an einer Schule arbeiten.I want to become a teacher and work at a school.
Example conversation
Julia and Felix are talking about their future careers.
- JuliaWas willst du später machen, Felix?What do you want to do later, Felix?
- FelixIch möchte Lehrer werden.I want to become a teacher.
- JuliaDas passt gut zu dir!That suits you well!
- FelixDanke, Julia.Thanks, Julia.
