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How to Say ‘I would like to apply for a residence permit.’ in German

Ich möchte eine Aufenthaltserlaubnis beantragen.

ikh MURKHT-uh EYE-nuh OWF-ent-halts-er-lowp-nis beh-AN-trah-gen

[ikh MURKHT-uh EYE-nuh OWF-ent-halts-er-lowp-nis beh-AN-trah-gen]

💬 Usage Tip: After möchte, the main action word goes to the very end. Swap in another: Ich möchte meinen Pass abholen "I'd like to pick up my passport."

Phrase Breakdown

Ich möchte

ikh MURKHT-uh

I would like

This is the polite way to say what you want. For 'ö', round your lips while saying 'e'.

Example

Ich möchte einen Kaffee.

I would like a coffee.

Words in this phrase

Ich

[ikh]

The pronoun 'ich' in nominative form.

Example

Ich bin da.

I am here.

möchte

[MURKHT-uh]

would like

Polite way to express a wish or intention; from the verb 'mögen'.

Example

Ich möchte mehr über Ihr Unternehmen erfahren.

I would like to learn more about your company.

eine Aufenthaltserlaubnis

EYE-nuh OWF-ent-halts-er-lowp-nis

a residence permit

This compound is Aufenthalt (stay) + Erlaubnis (permission). Say it in chunks: AUF-ent-halts-er-LAUP-nis.

Example

Ich habe eine Aufenthaltserlaubnis.

I have a residence permit.

Words in this phrase

eine

[EYE-nuh]

The feminine accusative article before 'Frage.'

Example

Ich möchte Ihnen eine Frage zur Arbeitskultur stellen.

I would like to ask you a question about work culture.

Aufenthaltserlaubnis

[OWF-ent-halts-er-lowp-nis]

residence permit

Official document allowing a foreigner to live in Germany for a set time.

Example

Meine Aufenthaltserlaubnis läuft bald ab.

My residence permit expires soon.

beantragen.

beh-AN-trah-gen

to apply for.

The infinitive goes to the end after 'möchte'. Say it as 'be-AN-trah-gen'.

Example

Ich will ein Visum beantragen.

I want to apply for a visa.

Words in this phrase

beantragen

[beh-AN-trah-gen]

to apply for

Verb for formally requesting something from an authority.

Example

Ich muss ein Visum beantragen.

I have to apply for a visa.

Guides for German learners

Duolingo vs Pimsleur: Tapping on a Screen or Talking Out Loud?Duolingo vs Pimsleur: five minutes of tapping versus thirty minutes of speaking. What each is good at, what each costs, and which to pick for your goal.

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