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How to Say ‘I'd like to talk about my salary.’ in German

Ich möchte gern über mein Gehalt sprechen.

ikh MURKHT-uh gairn UE-ber mine geh-HALT SHPRE-khen

[ikh MURKHT-uh gairn UE-ber mine geh-HALT SHPRE-khen]

🇩🇪 In Germany: Germans value directness, so naming the topic plainly like this is normal and polite, not pushy.

Phrase Breakdown

Ich möchte gern

ikh MURKHT-uh gairn

I would like to

This is a polite opener for a request.

Example

Ich möchte gern bezahlen.

I would like to pay.

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.

gern

[gairn]

gladly / with pleasure

A polite word used to show willingness or friendliness.

Example

Auf Fragen zur Kultur antworte ich gern.

I gladly answer questions about the culture.

über mein Gehalt sprechen.

UE-ber mine geh-HALT SHPRE-khen

talk about my salary

With 'möchte', the main verb 'sprechen' goes to the end of the sentence.

Example

Können wir über mein Gehalt sprechen?

Can we talk about my salary?

Words in this phrase

über

[UE-ber]

about

Preposition meaning 'on the topic of'.

Example

Wir sprechen über das Projekt.

We are talking about the project.

mein

[mine]

Possessive word used before masculine or neuter nouns.

Example

Mein Vater kocht gern.

My father likes to cook.

Gehalt

[geh-HALT]

salary

Neuter noun: the regular pay you get from your job.

Example

Mein Gehalt kommt am Monatsende.

My salary comes at the end of the month.

sprechen

[SHPRE-khen]

speak / talk

Verb used for conversation and communication.

Example

Wir sprechen viel miteinander.

We talk a lot with each other.

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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