Expressing 'Like' in German How do we express that we like s | Learn German with Leo🦁

Expressing "Like" in German

How do we express that we like something or someone in German?

The verb 'gefallen' is extensively used to express liking in German.

Firstly, 'gefallen' can be used for almost anything (but not actions): "Mir gefällt das Buch" means "I like this book," and "Du gefällst mir" means "I like you."

Secondly, the person who likes something will be in the dative case: Who? – me, you, him, her, us, them, etc.

Example:

Mir gefällt dein Kleid. (I like your dress.)
You can also use the verb 'mögen' to express liking.

Ich mag Musik - I like music
Ich mag es nicht, dass sie ein Piercing hat - I don't like that she has a piercing

Example:

Ich mag es, wenn es regnet. (I like it when it rains.)
We can also use 'mögen' when talking about someone, and that someone will be in the accusative case.

Ich mag dich – I like you
Sie mag ihn – She likes him

Transitioning smoothly to the verb 'lieben' – to love. If we very much like something, then we love it.

For example,
For objects (construction: lieben + Acc)
Ich liebe mein Haus – I love my house
Er liebt diese Stadt – He loves this city

For people and animals (construction: lieben + Acc)
Sie liebt ihre Mutter – She loves her mother
Wir lieben unsere Katze – We love our cat

Example:

Ich liebe es, im Meer zu schwimmen. (I love swimming in the sea.)
Lastly, there's 'haben + gern' (gernhaben) – to like, to be fond of.

gernhaben = mögen in all its manifestations. This verb has a separable prefix. Here, 'haben' is conjugated, and the prefix 'gern' takes its place at the end of the sentence.

Example:

Ich habe Pizza gern = Ich mag Pizza. (I like pizza.)
Remember, gernhaben is not used frequently, but it's worth knowing. It doesn't have any hidden implications. This set of phrases and examples should help you articulate your preferences in German more precisely!