“Ich hätte gern...”

I would like...

Ordering FoodFormalA2

Literal Translation

Word for word: “I would have gladly...”

Pronunciation

/ɪç ˈhɛtə ɡɛʁn/

When to Use This Phrase

The polite Konjunktiv II form 'hätte' is the standard way to order in German restaurants. It is more polite than 'Ich will' (I want) or even 'Ich möchte' (I'd like).

Example Sentences

Ich hätte gern ein Wiener Schnitzel, bitte.

I would like a Wiener Schnitzel, please.

Ich hätte gern einen Kaffee.

I would like a coffee.

Word Breakdown

ich haben gern

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