German - Lesson 32 of 158: Preferences

1. Reading + Listening Practice

Hear core phrases, repeat aloud.

Ich mag ___.

I like ___.

Meaning: I like ___.

When to use: Use this simple frame to say you enjoy a thing or activity (e.g. 'I like pizza.' or 'I like running.').

I like pizza.

I enjoy pizza.

I like walking in the park.

I enjoy walking in the park.

Ich mag ___ wirklich gern.

I really like ___.

Meaning: I really like ___.

When to use: Use this to show a stronger positive feeling: 'I really like jazz.' or 'I really like hiking.'

I really like jazz music.

I strongly enjoy jazz.

I really like hiking on weekends.

I enjoy hiking a lot.

Ich mag ___ nicht.

I don't like ___.

Meaning: I don't like ___.

When to use: Use this to state a dislike clearly: 'I don't like mushrooms.' or 'I don't like cold weather.'

Tip: Beginners sometimes say 'I not like...' — remember to use 'don't' for negatives.

I don't like mushrooms.

I dislike mushrooms.

I don't like cold weather.

I dislike cold weather.

Ich bin kein großer Fan von ___.

I'm not a big fan of ___.

Meaning: I'm not a big fan of ___.

When to use: Use this polite phrase for mild dislike: 'I'm not a big fan of horror movies.'

I'm not a big fan of horror movies.

I politely dislike horror movies.

I'm not a big fan of loud parties.

I don't enjoy loud parties very much.

Ich bevorzuge ___.

I prefer ___.

Meaning: I prefer ___.

When to use: Use this neutral phrase to state a preference: 'I prefer tea.'

I prefer green tea.

I like green tea more.

I prefer early mornings.

I like mornings more than evenings.

Ich mag ___ lieber als ___.

I prefer ___ to ___.

Meaning: I prefer ___ to ___.

When to use: Use this common comparative to compare two items or activities: 'I prefer tea to coffee.'

Tip: Learners sometimes mix the order: say 'prefer A to B' not 'prefer B than A.'

I prefer tea to coffee.

I like tea more than coffee.

I prefer walking to driving in the city.

I like walking more than driving there.

Mein Lieblings-___ ist ___.

My favorite ___ is ___.

Meaning: My favorite ___ is ___.

When to use: Use this to name a favorite item or category: 'My favorite color is blue.' or 'My favorite food is sushi.'

My favorite color is blue.

I like blue best.

My favorite food is sushi.

Sushi is my top choice.

Magst du ___?

Do you like ___?

Meaning: Do you like ___?

When to use: Use this informal question to ask about someone's tastes: 'Do you like jazz?' or 'Do you like swimming?'

Do you like coffee?

Are you a fan of coffee?

Do you like hiking?

Do you enjoy hiking?

Was magst du lieber, ___ oder ___?

Which do you prefer, ___ or ___?

Meaning: Which do you prefer, ___ or ___?

When to use: Use this when you want someone to choose between two options: 'Which do you prefer, summer or winter?'

Which do you prefer, coffee or tea?

Do you like coffee or tea more?

Which do you prefer, walking or cycling?

Which do you like better: walking or cycling?

Ich liebe ___.

I love ___.

Meaning: I love ___.

When to use: Use this to express strong positive feelings: 'I love classical music.'

I love classical music.

I have a strong liking for classical music.

I love chocolate cake.

I really enjoy chocolate cake.

Ich mag ___ gern.

I enjoy ___.

Meaning: I enjoy ___.

When to use: Use this to say you like an activity or thing: 'I enjoy reading.'

I enjoy reading before bed.

Reading is something I like doing.

I enjoy cooking new recipes.

I like trying new recipes.

Ich hasse ___.

I hate ___.

Meaning: I hate ___.

When to use: Use this to express a strong dislike: 'I hate cold weather.'

I hate getting up early.

I strongly dislike getting up early.

I hate loud noises.

I really dislike loud sounds.

Ich kann ___ nicht ausstehen.

I can't stand ___.

Meaning: I can't stand ___.

When to use: Use this to say you strongly can't tolerate something: 'I can't stand traffic.'

I can't stand traffic jams.

I very much dislike traffic jams.

I can't stand waiting in long lines.

I really dislike long waits.

German - Preferences

1. Reading + Listening Practice

2. Conversational Listening Practice

3. Guided Practice

Which sentence expresses a very strong dislike?

Which question asks someone to choose between two options?

You want to say politely that you don't enjoy spicy food. Which is best?

Which sentence shows a comparison between two things?

At the restaurant, Anna wants to say politely she doesn't enjoy spicy food: 'I'm not a big fan of spicy food.'

David is choosing between drinks: 'I prefer tea to coffee.'

Talking about hobbies, Anna says: 'I really like swimming.' She swims every weekend.

Match the core phrases

Match the extra phrases

4. Speaking Practice