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How to Say ‘Would you like to leave a message?’ in German

Möchten Sie eine Nachricht hinterlassen?

MURKH-ten zee EYE-nuh NAHKH-rikht hin-ter-LAH-sen

[MURKH-ten zee EYE-nuh NAHKH-rikht hin-ter-LAH-sen]

💬 Usage Tip: möchten sends the second verb to the very end. Swap: Möchten Sie später anrufen? "Would you like to call later?"

Phrase Breakdown

Möchten Sie

MURKH-ten zee

Would you like

A polite way to offer something with formal 'Sie'. The 'ö' is like the 'e' in 'her', with rounded lips.

Example

Möchten Sie einen Kaffee?

Would you like a coffee?

Words in this phrase

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.

eine Nachricht hinterlassen?

EYE-nuh NAHKH-rikht hin-ter-LAH-sen

to leave a message?

The infinitive 'hinterlassen' goes to the end. Let your voice rise for the question.

Example

Sie kann eine Nachricht hinterlassen.

She can leave a message.

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.

Nachricht

[NAHKH-rikht]

message

A written note, text, or email.

Example

Deine Nachricht kam genau richtig.

Your message came at just the right time.

hinterlassen

[hin-ter-LAH-sen]

to leave (behind)

Verb meaning to leave something for someone, like a message.

Example

Er hat eine Notiz hinterlassen.

He left a note.

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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