How to Say ‘I would like’ in German
Ich hätte gern
ikh HET-te gehrn
[ikh HET-te gehrn]
💬 Usage Tip: Ich hätte gern plus a thing is the polite all-purpose way to ask for something. It's softer than Ich will "I want". Reuse it anywhere: Ich hätte gern einen Kaffee "I'd like a coffee".
Phrase Breakdown
Ich
[ikh]
I
The pronoun 'ich' in nominative form.
Ich bin da.
I am here.
hätte
[HET-te]
would have / would like
Polite subjunctive form of 'haben'; in café language it helps express a polite request.
Im Café bestelle ich höflich: Ich hätte gern einen Latte.
In the café I order politely: I would like a latte.
gern
[gehrn]
gladly
Adds warmth and friendliness, like saying 'feel free' or 'please do.'
Setz dich gern.
Have a seat, gladly.
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