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How to Say ‘I don't really like it’ in German

Ich mag es nicht so gern

ikh mahk es nicht zo gairn

[ikh mahk es nicht zo gairn]

🇩🇪 In Germany: nicht so gern is a soft way to state a dislike. It sounds friendlier to staff than a flat Ich mag das nicht.

Phrase Breakdown

Ich mag es

ikh mahk es

I like it

'Mögen' means 'to like', and 'mag' is the form used with 'ich'. Pronounce the final 'g' in 'mag' like a 'k'.

Example

Ich mag es warm.

I like it warm.

Words in this phrase

Ich

[ikh]

The pronoun 'ich' in nominative form.

Example

Ich bin da.

I am here.

mag

[mahk]

Find agreeable or enjoyable.

Example

Ich mag das.

I like this.

[es]

A neutral pronoun used to refer to a thing previously mentioned.

Example

Es ist ein schöner Tag.

It is a beautiful day.

nicht so gern

nicht zo gairn

not so much

'Nicht so gern' is a polite way to say you don't really like something.

Example

Ich esse nicht so gern Fisch.

I don't really like eating fish.

Words in this phrase

nicht

[nicht]

not

Used to negate a sentence.

Example

Dieses Angebot gibt's nicht mehr.

This offer no longer exists.

[zo]

Used to refer to something just mentioned; like that.

Example

Ich fühle mich so müde.

I feel so tired.

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.

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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