Mögen is a stem-changing verb (Modalverb) that appears in many common expressions. It also acts as a modal verb in certain grammatical constructions. Its Konjunktiv II (subjunctive) form wird oft verwendet für höfliche Bitten (is often used for polite requests).
Conjugation Table
Here is the present tense, simple past, subjunctive (Konjunktiv II), and past participle forms of mögen:
| Pronoun | Present (Präsens) | Simple Past (Präteritum) | Subjunctive II (Konjunktiv II) | Past Participle (Partizip II) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ich | mag | mochte | möchte | gemocht |
| du | magst | mochtest | möchtest | gemocht |
| er/sie/es | mag | mochte | möchte | gemocht |
| wir | mögen | mochten | möchten | gemocht |
| ihr | mögt | mochtet | möchtet | gemocht |
| sie/Sie | mögen | mochten | möchten | gemocht |
\Note: The Konjunktiv II forms of mögen have umlauts and an added -t. These forms are commonly used to express politeness or hypothetical situations (e.g., Ich möchte, Möchten Sie...?*).
Choose the correct simple past form of mögen for 'wir' (we). Fill in the blank. Früher ___ wir Gemüse.
mochten
In the simple past (Präteritum), 'wir' form is 'mochten.' The sentence is: Früher mochten wir Gemüse.
Usage
Expressing Likes
- Mögen is used with nouns and pronouns to express liking.
- The object is usually in the accusative case.
- Example: Ich mag Schokolade. (I like chocolate.)
Expressing Dislikes
- Add nicht after the verb to negate.
- Example: Er mag keinen Kaffee. (He doesn’t like coffee.)
Polite Requests and Offers
- Use the Konjunktiv II forms (möchte, möchtest, möchten, etc.).
- Example: Ich möchte einen Kaffee. (I would like a coffee.)
Talking About Preferences
- Use mögen in the simple past (mochte) for past preferences.
- Example: Als Kind mochte ich Spinat nicht. (As a child, I didn’t like spinach.)
Express disliking in German: How do you say “He doesn’t like coffee”?
Er mag keinen Kaffee.
'Mag keinen' is the correct negation for dislike. ‘Er mag keinen Kaffee.’ means ‘He doesn’t like coffee.’
Example Sentences
| Usage | Example (German) | Example (English) |
|---|---|---|
| Expressing Likes | Ich mag Hunde. | I like dogs. |
| Expressing Dislikes | Wir mögen keinen Lärm. | We don’t like noise. |
| Polite Request | Möchten Sie noch etwas? | Would you like anything else? |
| Past Preference | Früher mochte ich keine Tomaten. | I didn’t like tomatoes before. |
Summary
- Mögen means “to like,” but it’s more formal or general than lieben (to love).
- It is a modal verb when expressing polite wishes (möchte).
- Use mögen + accusative: *Ich mag dich.
- Negate with nicht or kein: *Ich mag keinen Zucker.
- Use mochte for past liking.
- Use möchte for polite requests.
What case does mögen take for its object?
Mögen takes the accusative case for its object.
The direct object of mögen is always in the accusative case.
Flashcards (1 of 4)
- Usage: Expressing Likes
- Example (English): I like dogs.
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
