German · Real conversations
Expressing preferences: useful German phrases
Explain what you would enjoy and make a joint choice.
Start with the essentials
Start with the essential words and expressions below. Next, learn the five specific phrases in the reference table. Finally, read both sides of the exchange and try the linked rehearsal before revealing its sample replies. This collection connects to the broader vocabulary topic.
- I like it
das gefällt mir
I like it
- I don't like it
das gefällt mir nicht
I don't like it
- I love it!
ich liebe es!
I love it!
- What do you recommend?
Was empfehlen Sie?
What do you recommend?
Make the conversation more specific
| What you want to say | German |
|---|---|
| I like it | das gefällt mir I like it |
| I don't like it | das gefällt mir nicht I don't like it |
| I love it! | ich liebe es! I love it! |
| What do you recommend? | Was empfehlen Sie? What do you recommend? |
| I'd rather ... | Ich würde lieber … Show English translationI'd rather … |
| I'm in the mood for ... | Ich habe Lust auf … Show English translationI'm in the mood for … |
| Either is fine with me. | Mir ist beides recht. Show English translationEither is fine with me. |
| I'm not very keen on ... | Ich mag … nicht besonders. Show English translationI'm not very keen on … |
| What do you like about ...? | Was gefällt dir an …? Show English translationWhat do you like about …? |
Read the other side of the exchange
Partner
Möchtest du woanders hingehen?
Would you like to go somewhere else?
You
Ich würde lieber hierbleiben.
I'd rather stay here.
Partner
Dann bleiben wir. Was möchtest du trinken?
Let's stay, then. What would you like to drink?
You
Ich habe Lust auf Kaffee.
I'm in the mood for coffee.
Expressing preferences in other languages
A note on speaking German
Use Sie for formal address and du with people you address informally. Könnten Sie …? is a useful polite request. Keep noun capitals and the verb position shown in each complete sentence.
The examples preserve German accents and ß. Read a full sentence before replacing a detail: a subordinate clause can move the verb to the end, and case can change an article or pronoun.
