gern
gladly, with pleasure · to like doing something · would like (in polite requests)
Gern means 'gladly' or 'with pleasure' and is used to say that you like doing something or that you are happy to do something. It often softens requests and answers, making them sound polite and friendly.
What gern means
- gladly, with pleasure — Used to express willingness or pleasure in doing something, often in responses to offers or requests.
- to like doing something — Used with verbs to indicate that you enjoy an activity, e.g., 'Ich lese gern' = 'I like to read'.
- would like (in polite requests) — Used with 'hätte' or 'würde' to make polite requests, e.g., 'Ich hätte gern...' = 'I would like...'.
Heard in real German videos
Lines where gern was actually spoken, from German videos watched with DeutschChat.
- Ja, gern. Zum Glück sind sie schnell hier.Yes, gladly. Luckily they're quick to get here.
Example sentences
- Ich trinke gern Kaffee.I like to drink coffee.
- Kannst du mir helfen? – Ja, gern.Can you help me? – Yes, gladly.
- Ich hätte gern ein Glas Wasser.I would like a glass of water.
- Er spielt lieber Fußball als Tennis.He prefers playing soccer to tennis.
Grammar
| Comparative | lieber |
|---|---|
| Superlative | am liebsten |
Gern is an adverb, so it doesn't change form. The spelling 'gerne' is a common variant with the same meaning.
Common phrases
- gern geschehenyou're welcome (literally: gladly done)
- etwas gern habento like something
- gern malsometime, occasionally
- nicht gernnot like, dislike
The mistake English speakers make
English speakers often say 'Ich mag lesen' to mean 'I like to read', but the natural German is 'Ich lese gern'. Use 'gern' with the verb instead of 'mögen' plus infinitive.
Don’t confuse it with
- lieber — Lieber is the comparative of gern and means 'prefer' or 'rather', used when comparing preferences.
Questions learners ask
What is the difference between 'gern' and 'gerne'?
There is no difference in meaning; 'gern' and 'gerne' are interchangeable. 'Gern' is slightly more common in spoken German, while 'gerne' is often used in writing.
How do you say 'I like to...' in German?
Use 'gern' with the verb: 'Ich schwimme gern' (I like to swim). You can also use 'mögen' with a noun: 'Ich mag Schokolade' (I like chocolate).
What does 'Ich hätte gern...' mean?
It means 'I would like...' and is a polite way to order or request something, e.g., 'Ich hätte gern einen Kaffee' (I would like a coffee).