Expressing preferences

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Expressing preferences

There are various ways to say that you like something:

  • Verb + gern (literally “gladly” or “willingly”)

Ich spiele gern Tennis.

I like playing tennis.

Ich lese gern Bücher.

I like reading books.

  • mögen (to like) + am liebsten (best)

Ich mag am liebsten Rockmusik.

I like rock music most of all.

Ich mag am liebsten Pizza.

I like pizza best.

  • gefallen (literally “to please”) or schmecken (to taste) + am besten (best)

Das Dessert schmeckt mir am besten.

I like the dessert the best (literally “the dessert tastes best to me”)

Das blaue Kleid gefällt mir am besten.

I like the blue dress the best (literally “the blue dress pleases me best”).

  • Other ways of expressing a strong preference include using lieben (to love) or Lieblings- (favorite) + noun:

Ich liebe Reisen.

I love traveling.

Das ist mein Lieblingsbuch.

That's my favorite book.

Welche ist deine Lieblingsstadt?

What's your favorite city?

Note: if we want to say we don't like something, just add nicht or kein.

Ich singe nicht gern.

I don't like singing.

Das Kleid gefällt mir nicht.

I don't like the dress.

Ich mag keine Oliven. 

I don't like olives.

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