möchten, wollen or mögen?
a2Three degrees of one wish: mögen means to like something, with nothing happening; möchten is the polite request or a wish right now; wollen is firm intent - direct, and in a request often too direct.
mögen
To be fond of something or someone, usually with a noun as object. For activities use „gern“ plus a verb instead: Ich koche gern.
Ich mag Kaffee.I like coffee.
möchten
The polite wish, and the standard form for ordering, asking and suggesting. It is the Konjunktiv II of „mögen“ and has no perfect of its own.
Ich möchte einen Kaffee, bitte.I'd like a coffee, please.
wollen
Firm will or your own intention. Perfectly normal among friends, but demanding towards strangers.
Ich will jetzt nach Hause.I want to go home now.
The mistake
Ich will einen Kaffee, bitte.
Ich möchte einen Kaffee, bitte.
„wollen“ is too blunt in a café, and the „bitte“ does not make up for it. The polite form is „möchten“.
Rule of thumb
In a café or at a counter always use „möchten“. „wollen“ fits when you talk about your own plan, not when you ask someone for something.
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