mögen / ich möchte

The modal verb mögen has two principal meanings: firstly, it expresses a wish to do something and secondly, a liking, a desire towards someone or something.

The first meaning is mainly expressed through the use of the Konjunktiv II Präteritum and the second through the indicative mood.

The meaning of the previous examples can be transcribed in detail as follows:

Notes on the Konjunktiv II form möchte

1. The form of the modal verb in the Konjunktiv II expresses a real and present time wish; this means that the function of möchte is equivalent to that of a verb in the present tense indicative.

2. However, when we want to express a wish that refers to the past, we use the modal verb wollen.

3. The modal verb wollen also expresses a wish in the present time, one, however, that, compared to möchte, is stronger and less polite.

4. möchte can also be used as a full verb to express a polite wish. 

In this case, it takes an accusative object or is combined with a dass-clause.

Notes on mögen

1. mögen is principally used as a full verb. It takes an accusative object, either a person or a non-person. It expresses a liking towards someone or something.

2. mögen is seldom combined with an infinitive; in this case, it expresses preference in doing something.

In negative sentences it expresses dislike.

3. Very rarely, mögen expresses a wish. This occurs mostly in negative or interrogative clauses.

Mögen is also a way to express concession. In this function, it is mainly used in the indicative.

Its presence in a concessive clause is not necessary in order for concession to be expressed, however, it is used for reasons of emphasis. Further emphasis is given with words like auch, dennoch, trotzdem, wohl.

Mögen can also be used in reported commands to express possibility, a more moderate and polite request. This function pertains to the indirect speech.

The modal verb mögen can also be used in optative clauses; it occupies the first position in the clause and is in the Konjunktiv I or II mood.