Session 3, Activity 2 (German)
Activity 2 German – clarifying the difference between mögen and möchten
Using OMT to distinguish the difference between mögen and möchten in German is effective because it highlights the subtle differences between expressing likes and desires. It helps you choose the right verb in different contexts, and therefore enhances clarity.
Overall, this and similar activities show how OMT can be used to deepen understanding and boost confidence in speaking and writing in a second language.
Now follow the four steps below.
Step 1
Read the German sentences using mögen / möchten below.
- Ich mag Fisch.
- Ich möchte Fisch bestellen.
- Ja, ich möchte allein essen.
- Ich mag nur romantische Filme.
- Was möchten Sie trinken?
- Magst du Rockmusik?
- Lea mag Paris. Sie möchte im Sommer nach Frankreich reisen.
- Er möchte am Wochenende wandern.
Step 2
Input the sentences above into OMT for an English translation.
Step 3
Analyse the English translated sentences. When is möchten used, and when is mögen used?
Step 4
Reverse the translation to look for discrepancies. Take notes. Are any corrections necessary?
Discussion
Mögen and möchten are closely related in German, but they have distinct uses and forms:
Mögen means ‘to like’ and is used for general statements of preference.
Ich mag Kaffee. (I like coffee.)
Möchten means ‘would like’ and is used to express polite requests or desires.
Ich möchte einen Kaffee. (I would like a coffee.)
| Mögen | Möchten |
|---|---|
| Ich mag | Ich möchte |
| Du magst | Du möchtest |
| Er/Sie/Es mag | Er/Sie/Es möchte |
| Wir mögen | Wir möchten |
| Ihr mögt | Ihr möchtet |
| Sie/sie mögen | Sie/sie möchten |
Understanding these differences is crucial for accurate and effective communication and helps to ensure:
- your preferences, desires, and requests are understood correctly
- the appropriate level of formality in various social and professional situations is used
- you are correctly conjugating and structuring sentences to convey the intended meaning
- your statements are clear and appropriate for the context.
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