How to want something in German

Confusing German Word: “wollen” – When Germans say “Ich will…” it does not mean “I will”. It means “I want”:

“Ich will ein Fahrrad.” – “I want a bicycle.”
“Er / Sie will ein Haus.” – “He / She wants a house.”
“Du willst tanzen.” – “You want to dance.”
“Wir wollen / Sie wollen ein Auto.” – “We want / They want a car.”

Keep in mind that even though it’s ok to express desires this way, it is not a polite way at all to actually ask for, request or order something using this word. You would sound like a bratty child or bossy person. Use “Ich möchte” (“I would like”) instead.


Listen up, lurkers!

We filmed an entire beginner German course!


More cool stuff from Expath

The best ways to remember gender in German

How's your German? Take our free online test!

How to get a handle on childcare in Berlin

Join us for small online German classes for English speakers

How to go about finding a flat in Berlin and Germany

All the different ways to say you're exhausted in German

Want to work as a freelancer in Germany but need more info?

Want to live and work in Germany but not sure how to do it?

How to obtain an artist visa for Berlin

How do English speakers find jobs in Germany?

All of Expath's German "words of the day"

How to tell time in German