Make a polite request
Use the forms for a polite wish or request. They are related to , but here you learn them as an everyday request pattern, rather than a report about the past. You can name a thing: . Or put another verb in its infinitive at the end: .
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
Like a thing; enjoy an activity
says you like coffee. says you enjoy drinking it: goes with the action. The verb still agrees with its subject. Do not put an extra verb after : it describes how you feel about the action already named.
Prefer something else
means preferably or rather in this context: . It compares a preference without needing a new verb tense. A short café request such as is also natural: the requested thing has the same accusative form as after .
Wir möchten zwei Tassen Tee.We would like two cups of tea.
Lotte isst gern Pfannkuchen.Lotte likes eating pancakes.
Ich möchte heute lieber Tee.I would prefer tea today.
Practice 1/5 · Finding words
Notice the useful forms
Tap the polite request forms and preference words.
.
I would like a coffee.
.
Lotte likes eating pancakes.
.
We would like to order.
.
I would rather drink tea today.
Practice 2/5 · The right form
Make the request fit the person
Choose the right word for the gap.
Ich einen Kaffee.
I would like a coffee.
Du die Speisekarte.
You would like the menu.
Wir bezahlen.
We would like to pay.
Ihr zwei Brötchen.
You would like two rolls (several people).
Sie einen Tee?
Would you like a tea (polite)?
Lotte einen Pfannkuchen.
Lotte would like a pancake.
A wish, a like, or an activity?
Choose the right word for the gap.
Ich trinke Tee.
I like drinking tea.
Ich den Kuchen.
I like the cake.
Ich möchte jetzt .
I would like to order now.
Heute trinke ich Wasser.
Today I would rather drink water.
Practice 3/5 · Fill the gaps
Complete the conversation
Fill the gaps with the words from the box.
Ich die Speisekarte. Wir bestellen.
I would like the menu. We would like to order.
Du Kaffee. Ihr Tee.
You would like coffee. You would like tea (several people).
Lotte einen Pfannkuchen. Sie auch einen?
Lotte would like a pancake. Would you like one too (polite)?
Ich Milch, aber heute trinke ich Wasser.
I like milk, but today I would rather drink water.
Practice 4/5 · Building sentences
Put the message together
Put the words in order.
We would like the bill.
What would you like to drink (polite)?
I like eating cake.
I would prefer tea today.
Practice 5/5 · In situations
Respond to the situation
Choose the right words for the situation.
Greta has brought cake before you have chosen anything. You want to order your own meal first.
You say:
The request politely states what you want to do.
Greta has brought cake before you have chosen anything. You want to order your own meal first.
You say:
The request politely states what you want to do.
A shopkeeper offers coffee, but today you would rather have tea.
You say:
Lieber expresses the preference that matters now.
A shopkeeper offers coffee, but today you would rather have tea.
You say:
Lieber expresses the preference that matters now.
You have finished eating and want to pay.
You say:
The object you request is the bill.
You have finished eating and want to pay.
You say:
The object you request is the bill.
Unit complete
