hätte gern
In German, the phrase "would like" can be expressed as hätte gern or würde gern.
Meaning: to want, to desire (verb)
Ways to say it
| German |
|---|
| hätte gern |
| würde gern |
hätte gern is typically used when you want to possess or receive a specific noun or object, such as when ordering items. würde gern is used when you want to perform an action, usually appearing before an infinitive verb.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase hätte gern is literally composed of the subjunctive II form of haben (to have) and the adverb gern (gladly), translating to "would have gladly".
Which one should you use?
Use hätte gern when you would like to have a specific noun or object. Use würde gern when you would like to do something, which is typically followed by an infinitive verb.
When do people say it?
In a restaurant setting, using Ich hätte gern… is the standard polite way to order food or drinks.
Did you know?
- The adverb gern is actually a distant relative of the English word 'yearn'. Both words trace back to the same Proto-Germanic root that expressed eagerness or a strong desire.
- While hätte gern is polite, using the direct verb will (want) can sound like a demand or an order to a native speaker, regardless of the tone of voice.
- In highly formal settings, such as luxury hotels, staff may avoid hätte gern and instead use dürfte ich Sie bitten, shifting the focus from their desire to the guest's permission.
Examples in context
- Ich würde gerne essen.I would like to eat.This sentence shows how to use würde gern to express a desire to perform an action.Tatoeba #4797570 by Esperantostern, translation #895907 by pauldhunt
- Ich hätte gern Aspirin.I would like to buy some aspirin.This sentence demonstrates how to use hätte gern when requesting an object.Tatoeba #481601 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #481597 by CK
- Ich würde gerne mehr tun.I would like to do more.This sentence shows the use of würde gern with an infinitive verb to express a desire to do more.Tatoeba #10000715 by wolfgangth, translation #1142794 by CM
- Ich möchte einen Kaffee, bitte.I would like a coffee, please.
- Ich hätte gerne eine zweite Meinung.I would like to have a second opinion.
- Ich würde gerne an der Sitzung teilnehmen.I would like to attend the meeting.
- Ich hätte gern den blauen Pullover.I would like the blue sweater.
- Ich mag Kaffee, aber ich möchte Tee, bitte.I like coffee, but I would like tea, please.
- Ich möchte PizzaI would like pizza
- Ich möchte eine Pizza mit Salami und Champignons.I would like a pizza with salami and mushrooms.
- 127 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura and Maximilian are at a cafe.
- LauraHallo! Ich hätte gern einen Kaffee.Hello! I would like a coffee.
- MaximilianGerne. Und für dich, Maximilian?Sure. And for you, Maximilian?
- LauraIch hätte gern einen Tee mit Zitrone.I would like a tea with lemon.
- MaximilianAlles klar, kommt sofort!All right, coming right up!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “would like” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries gern, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
