German verb · modal · first needed at beginner level (A1)

mögen

to like

means “I like”. Its Konjunktiv II (“I would like”) is so common that it works like a verb of its own: the polite way to say what you want.

Speed:

Present

Präsens

What happens now or usually. Often also used for plans in the near future.

Präteritum

The past in writing and stories. In speech it is used mainly for “to be”, “to have” and the modal verbs.

Perfekt

The usual past tense in everyday conversation: helping verb + past participle.

Futur I

Plans, promises and guesses about the future: helping verb + infinitive.

Konjunktiv II

“Would”: polite requests, wishes and imagined situations.