01
gern
like to
Expresses that someone does something with pleasure, enjoyment, or willingly. It is often used together with a verb.
example
Ich trinke gern Kaffee am Morgen.
I like to drink coffee in the morning.
gern
gladly / like to
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Preferences for activities
To express that you like doing an activity, you don't need an extra verb in German. Instead, you place the adverb 'gern' directly after the conjugated verb.
EXAMPLE
Sie liest gern Krimis.
She likes to read crime novels.
Comparison: lieber, am liebsten
'Gern' has the irregular comparative forms 'lieber' (to prefer) and 'am liebsten' (to like most of all). You can use them to compare and grade preferences.
EXAMPLE
Ich trinke gern Tee, aber noch lieber trinke ich Kaffee.
I like to drink tea, but I like drinking coffee even more.
Polite wishes
In combination with 'möchten' (would like) or 'hätten' (would have), 'gern' is used to phrase wishes politely. 'Ich hätte gern ...' (I would like ...) is a standard phrase when ordering or shopping.
EXAMPLE
Ich hätte gern einen Fensterplatz, wenn das möglich ist.
I would like a window seat, if that's possible.
Response to 'Danke'
The expression 'Gern geschehen' (You're welcome) is a fixed and friendly response to thanks. It signals that helping was no burden for you.
EXAMPLE
Vielen Dank für deine schnelle Antwort! – Gern geschehen.
Thank you very much for your quick reply! – You're welcome.
Compare with
gern vs bitte
please
'bitte' and 'gern' can both appear in polite situations. 'bitte' is used for requests, when handing something to someone, or as a response to 'danke' (thank you). 'gern' more often says that you do something with pleasure or that you accept an offer positively. As a response to thanks, 'bitte' and 'gern geschehen' (you're welcome) are similar. They can be confused because both sound friendly. The difference is: with 'bitte', you make a request more polite; with 'gern', you show willingness or pleasure.
gern
Ich helfe dir gern, wenn ich mit meiner Arbeit fertig bin.
I'll be happy to help you once I've finished my work.
bitte
Kannst du mir bitte kurz beim Tragen helfen?
Could you please help me carry this for a moment?
In real life
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