A2 · Grundkenntnisse Kapitel 7

Wants, Abilities, and Goals

7 Gesamtregeln
77 Beispiele
5 Min.
Regeln in diesem Kapitel Schnelle Übung

Chapter in 30 Seconds

Master the art of expressing your personal desires, capabilities, and intentions in natural Korean.

  • Express your heartfelt wishes using the '-고 싶다' pattern.
  • Describe your skills and limitations with '-(으)ㄹ 수 있다/없다'.
  • Explain your purpose for travel or actions using '-(으)러' and '-(으)려고'.
Speak your mind and share your journey in Korean.

Was du lernen wirst

Hey Korean learner! Ready to level up your conversations? You've got the basics down, and now it's time to make your Korean sound much more natural and expressive. This chapter is exactly what you need! In this section, you'll learn how to talk about your desires and what you want to do. With the '-고 싶다' grammar (meaning 'I want to...'), you can easily turn any action verb into a heartfelt wish. Imagine you're at a restaurant and want to say, 'I want to eat kimchi,' or planning with friends, 'I want to go to that band's concert.' See how easily you can convey your feelings? Next, we'll dive into expressing what you 'can' or 'cannot' do. Using the (으)ㄹ 수 있다/없다 pattern, you can articulate your abilities. For example, 'I can speak Korean' or 'I can't play this game.' These phrases are incredibly useful for introducing yourself, asking for help, or politely declining something in daily situations. Finally, we'll tackle purpose and intention. With the (으)러 가다/오다 grammar (meaning 'to go/come to do something') and (으)려고 (meaning 'intending to...'), you'll learn to explain why you're going somewhere or why you're doing something. For instance, 'I'm going to the market to shop' or 'I intend to study Korean.' These patterns help you show your thought process within sentences, making your conversations much richer. By the end of this chapter, you'll confidently be able to say what you want, what you're capable of, and what your purpose is behind your actions. Your conversations will gain so much life, and you'll be able to express your desires and abilities in Korean more easily in various situations. Ready? Let's go!

Learning Objectives

By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

  1. 1
    By the end you will be able to: Express personal wants and abilities in a travel context.

Kapitel-Leitfaden

Overview

Welcome, Korean language learner, to a pivotal chapter that will significantly enhance your conversational abilities! This guide is designed for A2 Korean grammar students ready to move beyond basic sentences and express themselves more naturally. In this section, we'll unlock the secrets to talking about your wants, abilities, and goals – crucial elements for engaging in everyday conversations.
Mastering these patterns will allow you to articulate desires like
I want to eat,
state your capabilities such as
I can speak Korean,
and explain your intentions, like "I'm going to the library to study." This isn't just about memorizing rules; it's about gaining fluency and confidence in real-world scenarios.
Understanding these Korean grammar structures is essential for anyone aiming to sound more like a native speaker. They are frequently used in daily interactions, from ordering food to making plans with friends or explaining your actions. By the end of this chapter, you'll be able to express a much wider range of thoughts and feelings, making your Korean language learning journey even more rewarding.
Get ready to transform your basic sentences into rich, expressive statements that truly reflect what you mean. Let's dive into these fundamental A2 Korean expressions!

How This Grammar Works

This chapter introduces three core Korean grammar concepts that will dramatically expand your conversational range. First, expressing desires is made simple with the -고 싶다 pattern, meaning 'I want to do...'. You attach -고 싶다 directly to the stem of an action verb.
For example, if the verb is 먹다 (to eat), it becomes 먹고 싶다 (I want to eat). If it's 가다 (to go), it's 가고 싶다 (I want to go). This is straightforward and widely applicable.
Next, we tackle abilities using the (으)ㄹ 수 있다/없다 pattern, meaning 'can' or 'cannot'. This structure is attached to a verb stem. If the verb stem ends in a vowel, you add -ㄹ 수 있다/없다.
For example, 하다 (to do) becomes 할 수 있다 (can do). If the verb stem ends in a consonant, you add -을 수 있다/없다. For instance, 읽다 (to read) becomes 읽을 수 있다 (can read).
Similarly, 할 수 없다 means 'cannot do' and 읽을 수 없다 means 'cannot read'.
Finally, we explore expressing purpose and intention. The (으)러 가다/오다 grammar indicates 'to go/come to do something'. You attach -러 to a verb stem ending in a vowel (e.g., 보러 가다 - to go to see) and -으러 to a verb stem ending in a consonant (e.g., 먹으러 오다 - to come to eat).
This is always paired with a verb of movement like 가다 (to go) or 오다 (to come). For general intention, we use (으)려고, meaning 'intending to...'. Like the ability pattern, if the verb stem ends in a vowel, you add -려고 (e.g., 보려고 - intending to see), and if it ends in a consonant, you add -으려고 (e.g., 먹으려고 - intending to eat).
This pattern can stand alone or be followed by another clause. Mastering these A2 Korean grammar points will significantly improve your expressive power.

Common Mistakes

  1. 1✗ Wrong: 저는 커피 싶어요. (I coffee want.)
✓ Correct: 저는 커피를 마시고 싶어요. (I want to drink coffee.)
*Explanation:* The -고 싶다 pattern attaches to a verb stem. You cannot attach it directly to a noun. You need to use an appropriate action verb like 마시다 (to drink) or 가지다 (to have).
  1. 1✗ Wrong: 한국어를 말 수 있어요. (I can speak Korean.)
✓ Correct: 한국어를 말할 수 있어요. (I can speak Korean.)
*Explanation:* When using (으)ㄹ 수 있다/없다, if the verb stem ends in a vowel (like 말하- from 말하다), you must use -ㄹ 수 있다/없다. Don't forget the ㄹ!
  1. 1✗ Wrong: 공부하려고 도서관에 가요. (I go to the library intending to study.) - grammatically okay but less natural for purpose of movement
✓ Correct: 공부하러 도서관에 가요. (I go to the library to study.)
*Explanation:* While (으)려고 expresses intention, (으)러 가다/오다 is specifically used when the purpose is directly tied to the action of going or coming. (으)러 is more natural for explaining the reason for movement.

Real Conversations

A

A

오늘 저녁에 뭐 먹고 싶어요? (What do you want to eat for dinner tonight?)
B

B

음... 비빔밥 먹고 싶어요! (Hmm... I want to eat bibimbap!)
A

A

한국어 할 수 있어요? (Can you speak Korean?)
B

B

네, 조금 할 수 있어요. (Yes, I can speak a little.)
A

A

지금 어디 가요? (Where are you going now?)
B

B

책을 빌리러 도서관에 가요. (I'm going to the library to borrow a book.)

Quick FAQ

Q

How is -고 싶다 different from just saying I want [noun] in Korean?

-고 싶다 specifically expresses the desire to *perform an action* (e.g., 먹고 싶다 -

I want to *eat*
). To say I want [noun], you typically use (을/를) 원하다 or simply state the noun with (을/를) 가지고 싶다 (I want to have [noun]), but -고 싶다 is strictly for verbs.

Q

Can (으)ㄹ 수 있다 be used to express possibility in general, not just personal ability?

Yes, (으)ㄹ 수 있다 can also indicate general possibility or feasibility. For example, 내일 비가 올 수 있어요 (It might rain tomorrow / It's possible it will rain tomorrow). This expands its use beyond just what *you* can do.

Q

What's the main difference between (으)러 가다/오다 and (으)려고?

(으)러 가다/오다 is specifically used to state the *purpose of going or coming* to a location (e.g., 커피 마시러 카페에 가요 - I go to the cafe *to drink coffee*). (으)려고 expresses a broader intention or plan, which doesn't necessarily involve movement (e.g., 한국어를 공부하려고 노력해요 - I try *to study Korean*).

Cultural Context

In Korean culture, directly stating I want with -고 싶다 is common and perfectly polite. However, when offering something or making suggestions, it's often softened. For abilities, (으)ㄹ 수 있다/없다 is frequently used for self-introduction or when politely declining.
The purpose expressions (으)러 가다/오다 and (으)려고 are integral to daily conversation, providing clarity on one's actions or plans, making interactions smooth and understandable.

Wichtige Beispiele (8)

1

한국에 가고 싶어요.

Ich möchte nach Korea gehen.

Sagen, was man will: Das ~고 싶다 Muster
2

지금 떡볶이 먹고 싶어.

Ich möchte jetzt Tteokbokki essen.

Sagen, was man will: Das ~고 싶다 Muster
3

지금 통화할 수 있어?

Kannst du gerade telefonieren?

Können / Nicht können ((으)ㄹ 수 있다/없다)
4

매운 음식을 먹을 수 있어요?

Kannst du scharfes Essen essen?

Können / Nicht können ((으)ㄹ 수 있다/없다)
5

내일 파티에 갈 수 없어요.

Ich kann morgen nicht zur Party kommen.

Können & Nicht Können auf Koreanisch (ㄹ/을 수 있다/없다)
6

저는 한국어를 조금 할 수 있습니다.

Ich kann ein bisschen Koreanisch sprechen.

Können & Nicht Können auf Koreanisch (ㄹ/을 수 있다/없다)
7

Chingu mannareo kape-e gayo.

Ich gehe ins Café, um einen Freund zu treffen.

Gehen um zu: (으)러
8

Bap meogeureo gallae?

Wollen wir essen gehen?

Gehen um zu: (으)러

Tipps & Tricks (4)

💡

Der 'Ich vermisse dich' Shortcut

보고 싶다 heißt wörtlich zwar
Ich will [dich] sehen
, aber es ist der absolute Standard für Ich vermisse dich auf Koreanisch: «정말 보고 싶어요.»
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: -고 싶다 (Tun wollen): Deine Wünsche ausdrücken
🎯

Der 'Vermissen'-Hack

Im Koreanischen gibt es kein direktes Wort für 'vermissen'. Sag einfach «보고 싶어», was wörtlich 'ich möchte dich sehen' bedeutet.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Sagen, was man will: Das ~고 싶다 Muster
⚠️

Achtung beim Leerzeichen

Es heißt immer 수 있다, niemals 수있다. Das Wort 수 ist ein Nomen und bedeutet 'Weg' oder 'Möglichkeit'. Denk an: «할 수 있다».
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Können / Nicht können ((으)ㄹ 수 있다/없다)
⚠️

Achtung beim Leerzeichen!

Lass vor dem Wort '수' immer ein Leerzeichen. Wenn du es zusammenschreibst, ist es falsch. Schreib also immer: «갈 수 있어요».
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Können & Nicht Können auf Koreanisch (ㄹ/을 수 있다/없다)

Wichtige Vokabeln (5)

먹다 (meokda) to eat 가다 (gada) to go 한국어 (hangugeo) Korean language 배우다 (baeuda) to learn 수영하다 (suyeonghada) to swim

Real-World Preview

coffee

Planning a Weekend

Review Summary

  • Verb stem + -고 싶다
  • Verb stem + (으)ㄹ 수 있다/없다
  • Verb stem + (으)러 가다/오다
  • Verb stem + (으)려고 하다

Häufige Fehler

Confusing desire (-고 싶다) with ability (-(으)ㄹ 수 있다).

Wrong: 저는 한국어를 말하고 싶어요 (I want to speak Korean - grammatically okay, but contextually awkward if you mean 'I can speak')
Richtig: 저는 한국어를 말할 수 있어요

Using intention (-(으)려고) instead of purpose (-(으)러) with movement verbs.

Wrong: 공부하려고 가요
Richtig: 공부하러 가요

Using the 3rd person form (-고 싶어하다) for yourself.

Wrong: 먹고 싶어해요
Richtig: 먹고 싶어요

Regeln in diesem Kapitel (7)

1

-고 싶다 (Tun wollen): Deine Wünsche ausdrücken

A2
Verwandle jedes Tun-Wort in eine Sehnsucht: Einfach «다» vom Verb streichen und «-고 싶다» dranhängen. Nutze «싶어» für Freunde und «싶어요» für den Alltag.
주말에 영화 보고 싶어요.
12 Beispiele
2

Sagen, was man will: Das ~고 싶다 Muster

A2
Häng einfach «~고 싶다» an einen Verbstamm, um über deine Wünsche zu sprechen.
한국에 가고 싶어요.
12 Beispiele
3

Können / Nicht können ((으)ㄹ 수 있다/없다)

A2
Mit «(으)ㄹ 수 있다» sagst du, dass du etwas kannst, und mit «(으)ㄹ 수 없다» zeigst du, dass etwas unmöglich ist.
지금 통화할 수 있어?
11 Beispiele
4

Können & Nicht Können auf Koreanisch (ㄹ/을 수 있다/없다)

A2
Mit dem Muster «-ㄹ/을 수 있다» sagst du, dass du etwas kannst, während «-ㄹ/을 수 없다» bedeutet, dass etwas unmöglich ist.
내일 파티에 갈 수 없어요.
10 Beispiele
5

Gehen um zu: (으)러

A2
Nutze «(으)러» zusammen mit «가다» (gehen) oder «오다» (kommen), um zu sagen, dass du dich irgendwohin bewegst, um ein bestimmtes Ziel zu erreichen.
Chingu mannareo kape-e gayo.
10 Beispiele
6

Etwas tun gehen (-(으)러 가다/오다)

A2
Verbinde eine Aktion mit einer Bewegung, um genau zu sagen, warum du irgendwohin gehst: «-러» oder «-으러».
친구를 만나러 카페에 가요.
11 Beispiele
7

Beabsichtigen, zu tun... (으)려고

A2
Nutze «(으)려고», um deine persönlichen Ziele und Pläne in Gesprächen oder auf Social Media zu erklären.
한국 친구랑 이야기하려고 한국어를 배워요.
11 Beispiele

Next Steps

You've leveled up! Use these new patterns to connect with Korean speakers and share your world. See you in the next chapter!

Write 5 sentences about what you can do and what you want to do this weekend.

Continue to: Life Experiences and Trying Things

Schnelle Übung (9)

Finde und korrigiere den Fehler in diesem Satz.

Find and fix the mistake:

저는 영화를 보 싶어요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 저는 영화를 보고 싶어요.
Du darfst das '고' nach dem Verbstamm '보' nicht vergessen.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Sagen, was man will: Das ~고 싶다 Muster

Korrigiere die Leerzeichen.

Find and fix the mistake:

지금만날수있어요?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 지금 만날 수 있어요?
Zwischen den Wörtern brauchen wir Platz: 만날 (Verbform), 수 (Nomen) und 있어요 (Verb).

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Können / Nicht können ((으)ㄹ 수 있다/없다)

Finde den Fehler im Satz.

Find and fix the mistake:

한국어를 공부하러 책을 샀어요. (Ich habe ein Buch gekauft, um Koreanisch zu lernen.)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ändere 공부하러 zu 공부하려고
«샀어요» (gekauft) ist kein Bewegungsverb. Hier darfst du «(으)러» nicht nutzen, sondern brauchst «(으)하려고».

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Gehen um zu: (으)러

Welcher Satz bedeutet 'Ich kann nicht gehen'?

Wähle die richtige negative Form:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 갈 수 없어요.
가다 endet auf einen Vokal, also kommt das ㄹ direkt unten dran: 갈 수 없어요.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Können / Nicht können ((으)ㄹ 수 있다/없다)

Welcher Satz bedeutet korrekt 'Ich bin essen gegangen'?

Wähle den richtigen Satz:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 밥 먹으러 갔어요.
«먹» endet auf einen Konsonanten, also nutzt du «으러». Das erste Verb wird nie in die Vergangenheit gesetzt.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Gehen um zu: (으)러

Vervollständige den Satz: 'Ich kann Hangul lesen.'

저는 한글을 ___ 수 있어요. (읽다 - lesen)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 읽을
Da 읽다 auf einen Konsonanten endet, fügen wir 을 vor 수 있다 ein.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Können / Nicht können ((으)ㄹ 수 있다/없다)

Welcher Satz ist für eine dritte Person (Minji) korrekt?

Wie sagst du 'Minji möchte gehen'?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 민지는 가고 싶어해요.
Wenn das Subjekt eine dritte Person ist (Minji), musst du die Endung '고 싶어하다' benutzen.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Sagen, was man will: Das ~고 싶다 Muster

Fülle die Lücke aus, um 'Ich möchte essen' zu sagen.

저는 사과를 ___ (eat).

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 먹고 싶어요
Um 'Ich möchte essen' zu sagen, nimmst du den Verbstamm '먹' und hängst '고 싶어요' dran.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Sagen, was man will: Das ~고 싶다 Muster

Fülle die Lücke mit der richtigen Form von '사다' (kaufen).

저는 우유를 ___ 편의점에 가요. (Ich gehe zum Kiosk, um Milch zu kaufen.)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 사러
Der Verbstamm «사» endet auf einen Vokal, also hängen wir einfach «러» an.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Gehen um zu: (으)러

Score: /9

Häufige Fragen (6)

Nein, du kannst -고 싶다 nicht direkt an ein Nomen wie Wasser (물) hängen. Du musst es mit einem Verb paaren, wie 'Ich will Wasser TRINKEN' (물을 마시고 싶어요).
Benutze einfach genau die gleiche Form, aber geh mit der Stimme am Satzende hoch. Beispiel: «가고 싶어요?» (Möchtest du gehen?).
Nein, das geht nur mit Verben. Um zu sagen 'Ich will Kaffee', musst du ein Verb einbauen: «커피 마시고 싶어요» (Ich möchte Kaffee trinken).
Beides ist okay! «을/를» betont das Objekt, während «이/가» oft genutzt wird, weil '싶다' grammatikalisch wie ein Adjektiv wirkt.
못 해요 ist im Alltag häufiger und klingt oft so, als gäbe es ein Hindernis. 할 수 없어요 ist beschreibender und objektiver, wie in
Es ist nicht möglich
.
Ja! 써도 돼요? ist zwar der Standard für 'Darf ich?', aber 쓸 수 있어요? (
Kann ich das benutzen?
) ist auch sehr verbreitet.
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