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.
| Examples | time | meaning |
| Ich möchte ans Meer fahren. | present | wish |
| Ich wollte ans Meer fahren. | past |
3. The modal verb wollen also expresses a wish in the present time, one, however, that, compared to möchte, is stronger and less polite.
| Examples | intensity of wish |
| Ich möchte dich sprechen. | weak |
| Ich will dich sprechen. | strong |
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.
| Examples | meaning |
| Ich möchte ein Pfund Schinken. | wish |
| Monika möchte, dass wir sie am Wochende besuchen. |