❓👷🇩🇪

How to Say ‘Why would you like to work in Germany?’ in German

Warum möchten Sie in Deutschland arbeiten?

vah-ROOM MURKH-ten zee in DOYCH-lahnt AR-bye-ten

[vah-ROOM MURKH-ten zee in DOYCH-lahnt AR-bye-ten]

💬 Usage Tip: möchten sends the second verb to the very end of the sentence: Ich möchte hier arbeiten "I'd like to work here".

🇩🇪 In Germany: International applicants are often asked this. A positive answer about the job and life here lands better than one focused on paperwork or salary.

Phrase Breakdown

Warum möchten Sie

vah-ROOM MURKH-ten zee

Why would you like

'Warum' is stressed on the second syllable: 'va-RUM'. Round your lips for 'ö' in 'möchten'.

Example

Warum möchten Sie Deutsch lernen?

Why would you like to learn German?

Words in this phrase

Warum

[vah-ROOM]

why

Question word asking for a reason.

Example

Warum lernen Sie Deutsch?

Why are you learning German?

möchten

[MURKH-ten]

would like

Polite form of 'mögen', used to express wishes or offer choices.

Example

Möchten Sie einen Platz mit Blick aufs Meer?

Would you like a seat with a view of the sea?

Sie

[zee]

you

The formal 'you' used in polite professional conversations.

Example

Ich freue mich, Sie hier auf der Jobmesse zu sehen.

I am pleased to see you here at the job fair.

in Deutschland arbeiten?

in DOYCH-lahnt AR-bye-ten

to work in Germany?

The infinitive 'arbeiten' goes to the end of the sentence. 'Eu' sounds like 'oy'.

Example

Viele wollen in Deutschland arbeiten.

Many people want to work in Germany.

Words in this phrase

[in]

Expressing the situation of something that is or appears to be enclosed or surrounded by something else.

Example

Das Haus steht in Trümmern.

The house is in ruins.

Deutschland

[DOYCH-lahnt]

Germany

The country name.

Example

Deutschland spielt heute.

Germany plays today.

arbeiten

[AR-bye-ten]

to work

Verb meaning to perform job tasks or labor.

Example

Allein arbeiten kann sehr konzentriert sein.

Working alone can be very focused.

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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