What does it mean word for word?
Deutsch means German, and lernen means to learn.
Which one should you use?
Ich möchte Deutsch lernen is a polite way to express a desire. In contrast, Ich will Deutsch lernen is much more direct and can sound demanding or blunt in many social contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase Ich möchte Deutsch lernen, the verb lernen (to learn) is placed at the very end of the sentence because möchte (would like) is a modal verb that pushes the infinitive to the end.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ɪç ˈmœç.tʰə dɔʏ̯tʃ ˈlɛrnən/. The word has 4 syllables and the stress is on the 2nd syllable.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly add zu before the infinitive (for example, saying Ich möchte Deutsch zu lernen), but with the modal verb möchte, no zu is used.
Did you know?
- The word Deutsch actually means 'of the people' or 'popular'. It originates from a term used to distinguish the common vernacular spoken by ordinary people from the Latin used by scholars and the Church.
- While you might want to 'learn' a skill, German distinguishes between lernen and lehren. The latter is the related verb used when someone is actually 'teaching' you.
Examples in context
- Ich möchte Deutsch lernen.I want to learn German.This sentence is useful for stating your desire to learn the German language.Tatoeba #7925634 by felix63, translation #9636338 by DJ_Saidez
- Ich möchte Deutsch lernen, um in Berlin zu arbeiten.I want to learn German to work in Berlin.
Example conversation
Hannah and Maximilian are talking about their future plans in a cafe.
- HannahIch möchte Deutsch lernen.I want to learn German.
- MaximilianDas ist eine sehr gute Idee, Hannah.That is a very good idea, Hannah.
- HannahGlaubst du, es ist schwer?Do you think it is difficult?
- MaximilianEin bisschen, aber du schaffst das.A little, but you can do it.
