Höfliche Bitten: 'Would Like' + Infinitiv
polite requests und smoother English!
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use 'would like + to + verb' to express desires or make requests more politely than using the word 'want'.
- Always use 'to' before the second verb: 'I would like to go' (not 'I would like go').
- Use the contraction ''d' in spoken English: 'I'd like to order' sounds more natural.
- In questions, swap the subject and 'would': 'Would you like to join us?'
Overview
I want (Ich will) ein bisschen so klingt, als würde ein Kleinkind nach einem Spielzeug verlangen? Das haben wir alle schon erlebt. Du bist nicht gemein, aber im Englischen ist der Abstand zwischen direkt und unhöflich manchmal dünner als ein Smartphone-Bildschirm.would like. Es ist der Höflichkeitsmantel, den du um deine Wünsche legst, damit sie kultiviert und respektvoll klingen. Egal, ob du einen Burger über eine Liefer-App bestellst, einen Kollegen um ein Zoom-Meeting bittest oder deinen Followern auf Instagram erzählst, was du diesen Sommer vorhast – dieses Muster ist dein bester Freund.How This Grammar Works
would like, gefolgt von einem infinitive (die to + Verb-Form), eine Konditionalstruktur, die verwendet wird, um einen Wunsch oder ein spezifisches Verlangen in der Gegenwart oder Zukunft auszudrücken. Während das Wort want grammatikalisch völlig korrekt ist, hat es oft einen schweren, fordernden Unterton. Stell dir vor, du schreibst einem Freund eine Nachricht wegen eines Wochenendausflugs.I want to go to the beach (Ich will an den Strand gehen), klingt das wie eine endgültige Entscheidung, die du ohne ihn getroffen hast. Aber wenn du sagst I would like to go to the beach (Ich möchte an den Strand gehen), öffnet das einen Raum, in dem er zustimmen oder widersprechen kann. Es mildert den Schlag deines Egos ab.would ein Modalverb ist, das eine Ebene der Potenzialität oder Möglichkeit hinzufügt. Es deutet an, dass du einen Wunsch hast, aber höflich genug bist zu erkennen, dass sich die Welt nicht nur um dich dreht – selbst wenn du diesen Eiskaffee jetzt wirklich, wirklich brauchst. Es funktioniert genau wie ein sozialer Filter für dein Gehirn.Formation Pattern
I, you, he, she, it, we oder they sein. Das Beste daran? would like ändert nie seine Form! Kein zusätzliches -s für he oder she.
would like. Im gesprochenen Englisch und beim lockeren Texten ziehen wir das fast immer zu 'd like zusammen. Also wird aus I would like ein I'd like und aus she would like ein she'd like.
to, gefolgt vom Basisverb. to travel, to eat, to sleep.
I would like to order the vegan pizza. (Oder: I'd like to order...)
not nach would hinzu. I would not like to stay out late tonight. (Zusammengezogen: I wouldn't like to...)
would. Would you like to join our Discord server?
to einfach wie einen treuen Schatten an deinem Verb. Wenn du das to vergisst, fällt der Satz auseinander wie ein billiger Regenschirm im Sturm.
When To Use It
would like + infinitive in fast jeder sozialen Interaktion verwenden, bei der es um eine Wahl oder ein Ziel geht.- Bestellen über Apps oder persönlich: Wenn du Anweisungen für deinen Uber Eats-Fahrer tippst, klingt
I'd like to have the sauce on the sideviel professioneller als ein geschrienesI want sauce on the side. - Professionelle Anfragen stellen: In einer LinkedIn-Nachricht oder einer E-Mail an einen Professor könntest du schreiben:
I would like to schedule a quick call. Das zeigt, dass du ihre Zeit respektierst. - Ambitionen ausdrücken: Wenn du ein Reise-Vlogger bist, der ein
Bucket List-Video dreht, könntest du sagen:I'd like to visit Tokyo by 2027. Das klingt eher nach einem Traum und weniger nach einer Einkaufsliste. - Anderen etwas anbieten: Das ist in sozialen Situationen extrem wichtig.
Would you like to see my vacation photos?ist die höfliche Art zu fragen, bevor du jemanden mit 500 Bildern eines Sonnenuntergangs langweilst. - Einladungen ablehnen: Es ist der perfekte Weg,
Neinzu sagen, ohne ein Mistkerl zu sein.I'd like to come, but I have to finish my Netflix marathon.(Ich würde gerne kommen, aber ich muss meinen Netflix-Marathon beenden).
Common Mistakes
fehlenden To. Viele Leute sagen I would like go home. Autsch. Das klingt wie ein Roboter mit schwacher Batterie. Du musst das to einfügen. Ein weiterer klassischer Fehler ist die Verwechslung von would like mit dem einfachen Präsens like. Wenn du sagst I like to swim, sprichst du über dein Hobby im Allgemeinen. Wenn du sagst I would like to swim, sagst du, dass du in genau diesem Moment ins Wasser springen willst. Sag deinem Chef nicht I like to have a raise (allgemeines Hobby, Geld zu bekommen?), wenn du meinst I would like to have a raise (bitte gib mir jetzt mehr Geld). Achte schließlich auf die ing-Falle. Während I like swimming toll ist, ist I would like swimming normalerweise ein Fehler für diese spezifische B1-Regel. Bleib bei to + Verb, um auf der sicheren Seite zu sein.Contrast With Similar Patterns
Machen wir einen kurzen Vergleich, um zu sehen, wo would like im Wunsch-Spektrum steht.
I want to eat: Sehr direkt, viel Energie, kann in Geschäften oder gegenüber Fremden unhöflich klingen. Benutze dies bei deinen Geschwistern oder besten Freunden, wenn du am Verhungern bist.I like eating: Eine allgemeine Aussage über deine Persönlichkeit. Du magst Essen. Cool. Wir alle mögen das.I would like to eat: Die höfliche Mitte. Perfekt für Restaurants, neue Bekannte und formelle Umgebungen.I feel like eating: Sehr locker. Benutze das, wenn du unentschlossen bist und durch eine Food-App scrollst.Stell dir want als Vorschlaghammer und would like als Samthandschuh vor. Beide erledigen den Job, einen Wunsch auszudrücken, aber der Samthandschuh hinterlässt einen viel besseren Eindruck bei der Person, mit der du sprichst. Wenn du want in einem Vorstellungsgespräch benutzt, wirkst du vielleicht aggressiv. Wenn du would like benutzt, wirkst du wie jemand, der wirklich weiß, wie man in einem Team arbeitet.
Quick FAQ
F: Kann ich would like für Dinge verwenden, die ich bereits habe?
Nicht wirklich. Es ist für Dinge, die in der Zukunft oder jetzt passieren sollen. Wenn du schon einen Kaffee hast, sagst du nicht I'd like to have a coffee. Du sagst I like my coffee.
F: Ist I'd like to dasselbe wie I'd love to?
Meistens ja! I'd love to ist einfach enthusiastischer. Benutze es, wenn du dich wirklich auf den Plan freust.
F: Funktioniert would like bei allen Subjekten?
Ja! Im Gegensatz zu vielen englischen Verben ist es eine Einheitsgröße. He'd like to, They'd like to, We'd like to.
F: Kann ich es in einer SMS verwenden?
Absolut. I'd like to... ist beim Pläne machen in Texten sehr verbreitet.
F: Warum heißt es 'infinitve' (Infinitiv)?
Weil es die grundlegende, unendliche Form des Verbs ist. Sie wurde noch nicht durch Zeit oder Person verändert.
Conjugating 'Would Like' + Infinitive
| Subject | Modal | Verb | Infinitive Particle | Main Verb |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
I
|
would
|
like
|
to
|
order
|
|
You
|
would
|
like
|
to
|
order
|
|
He/She/It
|
would
|
like
|
to
|
order
|
|
We
|
would
|
like
|
to
|
order
|
|
They
|
would
|
like
|
to
|
order
|
Common Contractions
| Full Form | Contraction | Pronunciation Tip |
|---|---|---|
|
I would like
|
I'd like
|
Sounds like 'eyed'
|
|
You would like
|
You'd like
|
Sounds like 'yood'
|
|
He would like
|
He'd like
|
Sounds like 'heed'
|
|
She would like
|
She'd like
|
Sounds like 'sheed'
|
|
We would like
|
We'd like
|
Sounds like 'weed'
|
|
They would like
|
They'd like
|
Sounds like 'thade'
|
Meanings
A polite way to say 'want', used to express a desire, make an offer, or request something in a socially acceptable manner.
Polite Request
Asking for something you want in a shop, restaurant, or professional setting.
“I'd like to see the manager, please.”
“We would like to order the appetizers now.”
Polite Offer
Asking someone if they want something or want to do something.
“Would you like to try a sample?”
“Would they like to sit by the window?”
Future Ambition
Expressing a dream or a plan that is not yet realized.
“I'd like to travel to Japan next year.”
“They would like to buy a house in the countryside.”
Reference Table
| Funktion | Struktur | Beispiel | Anmerkungen |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Positive Aussage
|
Subject + 'would like' + to + Verb
|
I would like to learn.
|
Oft abgekürzt: 'I'd like'
|
|
Negative Aussage
|
Subject + 'would not like' + to + Verb
|
She would not like to wait.
|
Abgekürzt: 'She wouldn't like'
|
|
Frage (Angebot)
|
'Would' + Subject + 'like' + to + Verb?
|
Would you like to come?
|
Sehr häufig für Einladungen
|
|
Frage (Wunsch)
|
What + 'would' + Subject + 'like' + to + Verb?
|
What would he like to do?
|
Fragt nach der Vorliebe einer Person
|
|
Anfrage (Objekt)
|
Subject + 'would like' + Noun
|
I would like some water.
|
Hier kein 'to' + Verb!
|
|
Anfrage (Spezifische Handlung)
|
Subject + 'would like' + Object + to + Verb
|
I would like you to help.
|
Gibt an, wer die Handlung ausführt
|
|
Starker Wunsch
|
Subject + 'would love' + to + Verb
|
I would love to travel.
|
Enthusiastischer als 'would like'
|
Formalitätsspektrum
I would like to request a brief meeting at your earliest convenience. (Professional/Social)
I'd like to have a quick meeting with you soon. (Professional/Social)
Can we meet up for a bit? (Professional/Social)
Wanna link up? (Professional/Social)
Höfliche Bitten: 'Would Like' + Infinitiv
Kernanwendung
- Anfragen I'd like to ask...
- Wünsche She'd like to travel...
- Angebote Would you like to join...?
Struktur
- Subjekt + 'would like' + to + Verb I'd like to eat
- Abkürzung 'd like You'd like to see
- Negativ: wouldn't like We wouldn't like to wait
- Frage: Would...like to? Would they like to know?
Wichtige Unterschiede
- Vs. 'Want' More polite, less direct
- Vs. 'Like' (Allgemein) Specific desire vs. general preference
- Vs. 'Would Love' Stronger desire, more enthusiastic
Häufige Fehler
- Fehlendes 'to' *I'd like go* -> I'd like to go
- -ing Form *He'd like watching* -> He'd like to watch
- Gewohnheitsmäßige Handlungen *She would like swimming* -> She likes swimming
Want vs. Would Like: Höflichkeitsskala
Entscheidungshilfe: 'Would Like' oder 'Want'
Machst du eine höfliche Bitte oder ein Angebot?
Ist es eine allgemeine Vorliebe oder eine gewohnheitsmäßige Handlung?
Drückst du einen sehr starken Wunsch aus?
'Would Like' in modernen Kontexten
Bestellungen & Dienstleistungen
- • Restaurant: 'I'd like the burger.'
- • Buchung: 'I'd like to book a table.'
- • Kundendienst: 'I'd like to inquire about...'
Soziales & Angebote
- • Einladen: 'Would you like to come?'
- • Anbieten: 'Would you like some tea?'
- • Vorschlagen: 'I'd like to suggest...'
Beruflich & Formell
- • Vorstellungsgespräch: 'I'd like to contribute.'
- • Meeting: 'We'd like to discuss.'
- • E-Mail: 'I would like to inform you.'
Persönliche Wünsche
- • Bestrebungen: 'I'd like to travel.'
- • Wünsche: 'I'd like a new phone.'
- • Pläne: 'I'd like to relax tonight.'
Beispiele nach Niveau
I would like to have a coffee.
I would like to have a coffee.
Would you like to play?
Would you like to play?
She would like to see the cat.
She would like to see the cat.
I'd like to go home.
I'd like to go home.
We would like to book a room for tonight.
We would like to book a room for tonight.
Would they like to join us for lunch?
Would they like to join us for lunch?
I wouldn't like to live in a big city.
I wouldn't like to live in a big city.
He'd like to buy a new car soon.
He'd like to buy a new car soon.
I'd like to inquire about the job opening.
I'd like to inquire about the job opening.
Would you like to leave a message for the doctor?
Would you like to leave a message for the doctor?
I'd like to clarify a few points in the contract.
I'd like to clarify a few points in the contract.
We'd like to thank you for your hospitality.
We'd like to thank you for your hospitality.
I'd like to emphasize the importance of safety.
I'd like to emphasize the importance of safety.
Would you like to elaborate on that statement?
Would you like to elaborate on that statement?
I'd like to suggest an alternative approach.
I'd like to suggest an alternative approach.
They'd like to reach a consensus by Friday.
They'd like to reach a consensus by Friday.
I'd like to draw your attention to the graph on page five.
I'd like to draw your attention to the graph on page five.
One would like to believe that progress is inevitable.
One would like to believe that progress is inevitable.
I'd like to have seen the look on his face.
I'd like to have seen the look on his face.
I'd like to preface my remarks with a brief anecdote.
I'd like to preface my remarks with a brief anecdote.
I should like to think that my contribution was valued.
I should like to think that my contribution was valued.
The committee would like to express its profound gratitude.
The committee would like to express its profound gratitude.
I'd like to think we haven't seen the last of him.
I'd like to think we haven't seen the last of him.
Would you like to have been informed earlier?
Would you like to have been informed earlier?
Leicht verwechselbar
Learners use 'I like' for specific requests. 'I like to eat' (hobby) vs 'I'd like to eat' (now).
Using 'want' in formal situations makes the speaker sound like a child or angry.
Learners aren't sure which is stronger.
Häufige Fehler
I would like go.
I would like to go.
I would like a coffee.
I would like a coffee.
I would likes to go.
I would like to go.
Do you would like to eat?
Would you like to eat?
I would like having a drink.
I'd like to have a drink.
I will like to see you.
I would like to see you.
Would you like that I come?
Would you like me to come?
I like to go to the party tonight.
I'd like to go to the party tonight.
I'd like to not go.
I wouldn't like to go.
Would you like some to drink?
Would you like something to drink?
I would like to had seen it.
I would like to have seen it.
Satzmuster
I'd like to ___ because ___.
Would you like to ___ with me?
I wouldn't like to ___ because it seems ___.
What would you like to ___ for ___?
Real World Usage
I'd like to have a large latte, please.
I'd like to explain my previous experience in marketing.
Would u like to hang out later?
We'd like to check in. We have a reservation under Smith.
I'd like to have some water, please.
I would like to schedule a call for next Tuesday.
Benutz Kurzformen für besseren Sprachfluss
Nicht mit 'Like' (allgemein) verwechseln
I like to read books.
'Please' für extra Höflichkeit hinzufügen
Could I have the menu, please?
Kontext ist alles!
I would like to thank you for your help.
Benutz 'Would love' für Begeisterung
Smart Tips
Pause and replace 'I want' with 'I'd like'.
Look for the word 'to'. If there is a 'to' and it's a specific request, it's 'would like'.
Always use 'Would you like to...' instead of 'Do you want to...'. It sounds more generous.
Contract 'I would' to 'I'd'. Native speakers rarely say the full 'I would' in conversation.
Aussprache
The 'd' Contraction
The 'd' in 'I'd' is very soft. It often blends into the 'l' of 'like'.
Linking 'to'
The word 'to' is usually reduced to a schwa sound /tə/.
Polite Question Rise
Would you like to join us? ↗️
Conveys friendliness and a genuine invitation.
Einprägen
Eselsbrücke
W.L.T.V: Would Like To Verb. Never skip the 'To'!
Visuelle Assoziation
Imagine a waiter in a fancy tuxedo bowing to you. He doesn't ask 'What do you want?' he asks 'What would you like to have?' The tuxedo represents the 'Would Like' structure.
Rhyme
If you want to be polite and bright, 'Would like to' is always right.
Story
A traveler named Dan went to a royal palace. He said 'I want to see the King!' and the guards blocked him. He tried again and said 'I would like to see the King,' and they opened the doors immediately.
Word Web
Herausforderung
Go to a coffee shop or a restaurant today and use 'I'd like to have...' instead of 'I want...'. Notice the reaction of the staff.
Kulturelle Hinweise
British speakers use 'would like' extremely frequently to avoid appearing 'pushy'. Using 'I want' in a shop in London might be seen as quite rude.
While Americans are more direct, 'would like' is still the standard for professional service. However, 'I'll take a...' is a common neutral alternative in fast food.
In international meetings, 'I'd like to...' is the safest way to interrupt or add a point without offending colleagues from different cultures.
The word 'would' is the past tense of 'will', which originally meant 'to wish' or 'to desire' in Old English (willan).
Gesprächseinstiege
What would you like to do for your next birthday?
If you could change your job, what would you like to be?
Would you like to live in another country? Which one?
I'd like to start a new hobby. What would you suggest?
Tagebuch-Impulse
Häufige Fehler
Test Yourself
I ___ to book a table for two tonight.
Find and fix the mistake:
They would like going to the cinema.
Wähle den richtigen Satz:
Übersetze ins Englische: 'A ella le gustaría visitar Japón.'
Answer starts with: ["S...
Score: /4
Ubungsaufgaben
8 exercisesI would like ___ buy a new phone.
You are in a restaurant.
Find and fix the mistake:
She would likes to visit Paris.
I want to see the manager.
Waiter: 'Are you ready to order?' Customer: 'Yes, ___ the steak.'
'I like to swim in the ocean.'
You can use 'would like' with the -ing form (e.g., I'd like going).
like / you / to / would / drink / what / ?
Score: /8
Practice Bank
12 exercisesI ___ to ask a question about the assignment.
He'd like going to the party, but he's busy.
Which sentence is correct?
Translate into English: '¿Te gustaría comer fuera esta noche?'
Arrange these words into a sentence:
Match the beginnings with the correct endings:
___ you like another slice of cake?
We would like you help us with the project.
Which statement is grammatically sound?
Translate into English: 'Nos gustaría aprender más sobre la cultura.'
Arrange these words into a sentence:
Match the questions with the best responses:
Score: /12
FAQ (8)
Yes! If you are followed by a noun (a thing), you don't need 'to'. You only need 'to' if a verb (an action) follows.
'I'd love' is much stronger. Use it when you are very excited about an offer.
Because 'would like' is a conditional request, and English grammar requires the infinitive 'to swim' for specific future/present desires.
Not at all. It's very common to use it with friends when offering something, like 'Would you like a snack?'
The short form is 'wouldn't like'. Example: 'I wouldn't like to be late.'
In very old-fashioned or formal British English, yes. But 'would like' is the standard everywhere today.
The most polite answers are 'Yes, I would' or 'Yes, please' and 'No, thank you'.
To talk about the past, you use 'would like to have' + past participle. Example: 'I would like to have seen that movie.'
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Me gustaría
English requires 'to' before the following verb.
Je voudrais
French uses 'want' in conditional; English uses 'like' in conditional.
Ich möchte
German often omits the main verb if it's obvious (e.g., 'Ich möchte einen Kaffee').
...tai desu / ...te itadakitai
Japanese changes the verb ending; English adds a modal verb.
Awaddu an (أود أن)
Arabic verbs conjugate for person, unlike 'would'.
Xiǎng (想)
Chinese relies on context or adding 'please' (qǐng) for politeness.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Verwandte Videos
Can You Picture Things in Your Mind? I Can’t | Alex Rosenthal | TED
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Englisch lernen: to like / to want / to would like (to) - Einfache Erklärung & Unterschiede
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