How to Say ‘I would like...’ in German
Ich hätte gern...
ikh HET-tuh gehrn
[ikh HET-tuh gehrn]
💬 Usage Tip: [hätte gern] is a very common polite way to order things, more natural in shops and cafés than a literal [ich will]. You can swap the item: [Ich hätte gern einen Tee] or [Ich hätte gern ein Wasser].
Phrase Breakdown
Ich
[ikh]
I
The German first-person singular pronoun used when speaking about yourself.
Ich hätte gern einen Kaffee.
I would like a coffee.
hätte
[HET-tuh]
would have / would like
A polite subjunctive form of 'haben' used in requests, especially in cafés and shops.
Ich hätte gern einen Kaffee.
I would like a coffee.
gern
[gehrn]
gladly / would like
Used with 'ich hätte' to make a polite request sound natural: 'I would like.'
Ich hätte gern einen Tee.
I would like a tea.
Get the Full Learning Experience
This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.
Pronunciation Feedback
AI-powered speech recognition to perfect your accent
Spaced Repetition
Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice
Immersive Roleplaying
Practice real conversations with AI partners
Custom Scenarios
Request lessons tailored to your specific needs
Get Full LessonWhat Learners Are Saying
“Berlin bureaucracy requires real German. This app got me from zero to handling my Anmeldung appointment in three weeks. My coworkers couldn’t believe it.”
Emma L., 27, UX Researcher
“Relocated to Munich with my family. The everyday scenarios — grocery shopping, doctor visits, school meetings — are exactly what we needed to settle in.”
Marcus J., 40, Engineer
“I tried five different apps before this one. The roleplay conversations are what finally made things click. I actually remember what I learn now.”
Sofia R., 31, Marketing Manager