20.16. Basic German Verbs: Like and Dislike Verbs

German, like any other language, has a variety of verbs that are used to express likes and dislikes. In this chapter, we'll explore some of the most common verbs used to express these feelings. Let's start with the verbs of liking.

Like Verbs

The verbs to express liking in German are "mögen" and "gern haben". Both have slightly different connotations, but are generally interchangeable.

Mögen is the most common verb to express liking in German. It is a modal verb, which means it is used together with another verb to express a desire or preference. For example, "Ich mag Fußball spielen" means "I like to play football".

Gern haben is another way to express that you like something or someone. It is most commonly used to express affection for people. For example, "Ich habe dich gern" means "I like you".

Verbs of Dislike

The verbs to express disgust in German are "nicht mögen" and "hassen". Again, both have slightly different connotations, but are generally interchangeable.

Nicht mögen is the most common way of expressing disgust in German. It's the negative form of "mögen", and can be used to express that you don't like something or someone. For example, "Ich mag kein Bier" means "I don't like beer".

Hassen is a strong verb meaning "hate". It is used to express a strong dislike or dislike for something or someone. For example, "Ich hasse Lügen" means "I hate lies".

Using Like and Dislike Verbs in Sentences

Here are some examples of how you can use these verbs in sentences:

• Ich mag Schokolade. (I like chocolate.)
• Ich habe dich gern. (I like you.)
• Ich mag kein Fleisch. (I don't like meat.)
• Ich hasse Regen. (I hate rain.)

It is important to note that, as in English, you can use these verbs to express general likes and dislikes, or to express a specific like or dislike at a particular time. For example, "Ich mag kein Bier" can mean "I don't like beer" in general, or it can mean "I don't want beer" in a specific situation.

In summary, the verbs to like and dislike in German are essential tools for expressing your feelings and preferences. They are easy to use and very versatile, allowing you to communicate a wide range of emotions and desires. With practice, you'll be able to use them confidently and accurately in your German conversations.

So, now that you know the basic verbs for liking and disliking in German, it's time to start using them! Remember, practice makes perfect, so don't be afraid to experiment and use these verbs in your everyday conversations. You'll be amazed at how quickly you can become fluent in expressing your likes and dislikes in German.

Exercises

To help you practice, here are some exercises you can do:

1. Write 10 sentences using "mögen" to express things you like.
2. Write 10 sentences using "nicht mögen" to express things you don't like.
3. Write 5 sentences using "gern haben" to express people you care about.
4. Write 5 sentences using "hassen" to express things you hate.

Good luck and have fun learning German!